Post Covid: The Future of Downtown
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Post Covid: The Future of Downtown
The COVID 19 pandemic dealt a staggering blow to our downtowns. In the spring, offices and businesses were closed entirely. Organizations continued to operate with employees working remotely. Some businesses failed entirely. Even as offices have reopened, most people continue to work from home. Walking through an office building now can be an eerie experience. The lack of foot traffic is also devastating in downtown restaurants and coffee shops.
We are looking for answers. After COVID, will downtowns bounce back? To what extent? And how long will it take? How much commercial space will be vacant? What are other possible uses for this space?
In short, our cities will recover. But how? And when?
These are the questions facing this panel of experts from business, labour, and academia.
Panelists:
Mark Garner
Chief Operating Officer, Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area
William Logar
Executive Vice President, Asset Management, KingSett Capital
Mike Yorke
President, Director of Public Affairs and Innovation, Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario
Moderator:
Mary W. Rowe
President and Chief Executive Officer, The Canadian Urban Institute