Re: Op-ed: Ottawa’s future hinges on a full-time return to office, Dec. 18
Mr. Mooney, while the call for a return to the office is loud, it overlooks key benefits of remote work that not only support employees, but also help build a stronger, more adaptive society. The pandemic may be over, but the lessons learned about remote work should not be dismissed so quickly. We now know that remote work is not only possible, but also productive for many workers across various industries.
A full return to the office, as proposed, would ignore the profound flexibility and work-life balance that remote work offers. Many workers — especially those with families, long commutes, or health concerns — find that remote work allows them to be more focused, efficient, and better able to balance personal and professional responsibilities. The rigid demand to return to the office would disregard these significant benefits.
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Regarding concerns about young workers and mentorship, it’s essential to recognize that mentoring doesn’t have to happen in person. Many organizations have adapted their cultures to embrace virtual mentorship through video calls, chat platforms, and online collaboration tools. Young professionals still have access to career development opportunities and, in some cases, they benefit from a greater variety of perspectives by connecting with mentors and colleagues from around the world. This is an evolution, not a loss.
One of the key points raised about returning to the office is the strain on local infrastructure, particularly OC Transpo, which is facing a $120-million deficit. However, it’s important to recognize that the responsibility for providing a reliable and sustainable public transportation system lies with OC Transpo itself, not with the citizens of Ottawa. It is not reasonable to place the burden of the system’s financial viability on the shoulders of workers who are choosing to work remotely. The idea that a thriving transit system should be sustained by forcing people to commute downtown misses the point. OC Transpo must focus on adapting its services to the needs of a more flexible workforce, including better integration with remote work trends and promoting sustainable, non-commute-dependent transportation options. The goal should be to provide efficient, reliable transit options for those who need them, not to create a system dependent on a return to pre-pandemic work habits.
Additionally, the environmental and economic costs of full-time office work must be considered. Commuting into downtown Ottawa results in carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and the unnecessary depletion of personal time. Forcing citizens back into offices to “support” the transit system only perpetuates outdated, inefficient practices. If Ottawa wants to revitalize its downtown, it should focus on developing flexible, hybrid workspaces, fostering a dynamic business environment that doesn’t rely solely on office buildings, but also embraces remote work, local entrepreneurship, and sustainable transportation.
Rather than reverting to a traditional, pre-pandemic model, Ottawa should embrace the future by promoting flexible and hybrid work environments. This approach aligns with the preferences of modern workers while supporting the long-term sustainability of our communities. A city like Ottawa should focus on building a resilient, adaptable infrastructure that serves the needs of a changing workforce, without forcing people to conform to outdated norms. Let’s rethink what it means to work in Ottawa, not by dragging everyone back to downtown offices, but by embracing a future that includes remote work as a sustainable and valuable option for both workers and the city as a whole.
Justtyn Gascon is an IT professional who has worked for DND for 16 years.
