Occupancy Index - October 1

Comments –

The return to the office momentum continues but companies are treading very carefully on mandating a return. Some institutional organizations are permitting organized meetings in office which may be a sign that the gradual return will hold through the Fall.

Earlier in the pandemic there have been spikes in cases after major holidays. After Thanksgiving many observers are waiting to see how cases and especially hospitalizations are impacted as a mini-litmus test of progress to date. This will be reflected in the November Index.

… stay safe - the SRRA Team

Links to Articles of Interest

Take the time to read the articles, not just the headlines! 

 An ‘advertorial’ highlighting the views of Colliers in the Report on Business (Globe and Mail, October 5) claims ‘We just don’t see people returning to the office.’  The article itself (which isn’t available digitally) is actually quite balanced, noting the challenges associated with hybrid arrangements.

Office sector outlook picking up steam in large centres like Toronto

Canadian companies delay return to office amid Delta variant concerns

Delayed return to the office proposed by Quebec

Vancouver optimism for return to the office also affected by Delta variant surge

Rents rebound as office workers and students return 

Boom town conditions in Chicago in all sectors, including small unit rentals, even though a sports team threatening to leave

London decision makers concerned about impact of booming logistics sector that would pre-empt options for housing development

A timely overview of the risk to the TTC of sustained COVID related ridership reduction.