Back to in-office work brings mixed opinions

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Good morning!

There are many unhappy federal office workers in Ottawa this week who were mandated back to in-person work at least three days a week. Unions are arguing productivity will go down as a result of the discontent. In brighter news, Ottawa’s PWHL hockey team finally has a name and logo, but some feel its too similar to others used in the NHL.

Let’s dive in!

— Charlie Senack, [email protected]

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Wednesday: 26 🌡️ 13 | ⛅

Thursday: 27 🌡️ 14 | ⛅

Friday: 29 🌡️ 15 | ☀️

EMPLOYMENT

Back to in-office work brings mixed opinions

The issue: This week marked a return to the office for many federal employees, but most are not pleased. A lack of office space, increased productivity at home, and concerns over risk to health have all been raised. 

While the hybrid work policy is not new, it has been increased to three mandatory in-person days a week, four if you are an executive. To mark the change, protests were held outside of federal buildings downtown. 

• “It's challenging. We were told there isn't enough desk space for everyone, so we're not quite sure how this is going to work. We've heard the term hunger games thrown around quite a bit in terms of desk booking, which is not how I want to go into the workday,” a federal employee told CTV.  

Not enough space: When the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in people working from home, the federal government offloaded many of its buildings and decided to use floater desks instead, which could be booked out by employees when they had to go in. 

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada has confirmed that their offices at 180 Kent St. and 427 Laurier Ave don’t have enough space due to “significant growth.” While no timelines have been announced, they are working to find alternative space.  

Shared Services Canada has also confirmed they don’t have enough space available, leading to temporary exemptions for some employees, reported CBC. Another 10 Employment and Social Development Canada locations may not have enough space, a spokesperson for the department confirmed. 

A waste of time: “During COVID, my group demonstrated that they could do all the work that they needed to do at home, so going into the office to work on Teams just doesn’t make any sense to me,” said federal employee Matthew Deline, according to the Ottawa Citizen. 

Businesses welcome the traffic: For downtown area businesses, they are pleased to see the return of employees in the city’s core. It’s no secret the centre of the Capital has faced an array of challenges, including tough economic conditions, a homelessness crisis, and a severe toxic drug problem. A report released by the Downtown Ottawa Revitalization Task Force in January said “visionary and transformative action” was needed. 

Is more in-person work needed? According to Brad Fougere, executive director of the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas, he isn’t convinced three days are enough to make a difference for local shops and restaurants in the area. 

• “During the last return-to-office mandate, we didn't necessarily see the meaningful impact that small businesses were hoping to see downtown. For places to be animated on a regular basis, you need residents to be going into those spaces,” Fougere told CBC. 

Unions push back: According to a press release sent out by the Public Service Alliance of Canada, virtual work is a proven model that enhances productivity and the well-being of workers. They said it has led to a better balance of personal lives with their jobs, created reductions in the carbon footprint, and created a more inclusive public service. 

• “Telework isn’t just a trend, it’s the future of work and the next frontier of workers’ rights. We’ve seen firsthand how telework improves peoples’ lives and makes our public service more inclusive and responsive to the needs of Canadians. That’s why we’re committed to fighting for a future that puts workers first,” said PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa.

According to the PSAC, over 20,000 of its employees registered for virtual telework town halls, more than 40,000 signed a petition to remain virtual in the first week, and over 65,000 filled out our telework survey. 

• “In a direct attack on Canadian taxpayers and basic logic, the government has decided to forge ahead with this ludicrous plan to pressure employees back into cramped and unfit office space that nobody wants or needs to be in. Our members are clogging up roadways, buses and trains to go to disgusting offices that don’t have space for them to sit on video calls that could be done more effectively at home. This mandate is not only exacerbating existing problems – it is creating new ones,” said Nathan Prier, president of Canadian Association of Professional Employees in a press release.

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OTTAWA BY THE NUMBERS

🚓 2: The number of employees assaulted at a shelter in Kingston. [CTV]

💸 $230,000: The amount of money a former public servant awarded to his own company. [Ottawa Citizen]

👮🏿 5: The number of Black officers the Ottawa Police secretly wiretapped, a lawsuit alleges. [CBC]

🏠 $2,044: The new average price to rent a one bedroom apartment in Ottawa. [CTV]

OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

🍎 Apple orchards near Kemptville are having a difficult start to the season. Mountain Orchards co-owner Shelley Lyall said warm temperatures this winter and spring led to the trees blooming too early. That was followed by heavy rainfall and humid temperatures which aren’t ideal conditions for apples. [CTV]

💰 Danford Lake residents in Quebec are in for a surprise and not a good one; the small village of about 300 people will be having their property taxes go up 370 per cent next year. For one resident whose taxes are currently $3,000, they would climb to more than $12,000. A petition has been started to prevent the drastic raise from happening, and Jane Toller, Warden for the MRC Pontiac, said she hopes the rate increase will only apply to new landowners with underdeveloped properties. [CTV]

🏬 Two controversial high rises proposed for Stittsville are causing quite the stir in the community. One tower is proposed for 21 storeys whereas the other is proposed for 12. They would contain 431 total residential units and would slow down in some sections. Residents say Hazeldean lacks the infrastructure needed to accommodate such buildings, and don’t keep within Stittsville’s character. [CBC]

🏗️ Sobeys Grocer is spearheading a mixed-use development that could see up to seven buildings constructed on a prime parcel of land near the future LRT line in Orléans. A zoning bylaw amendment application prepared by Fotenn Planning and Design says the proposal calls for seven buildings ranging from seven to 18 storeys at 1887 St. Joseph Blvd. between Youville Drive and Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard. [Ottawa Business Journal]

SPORTS

Ottawa’s PWHL team gets a name

A new identity: The Professional Women’s Hockey League has officially announced the name and logo for its team in Ottawa, but reaction is mixed. 

The team which plays out of TD Place at Lansdowne will be known as the ‘Ottawa Charge’, with its logo bearing a large red O (which also looks like a C) with flames coming out the sides. Many people have pointed out its very similar to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Calgary Flames NHL logos. 

The league’s regular-season schedule should be released by the end of this month, and the number of regular-season games will increase to 30-36 contests per team. That is compared to the 24 that were played last season. New uniforms will be released closer to the start of the next season. 

What’s in a name? The name ‘Charge’ is an homage to Ottawa itself, reflecting the growth and progress of Canada’s Capital city, reported CBC. 

Toronto's women’s hockey team will be known as the Sceptres, and Montreal will be the Victoire.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

If you are a fan of history, then this Richmond House is for you. Built in 1840, it seamlessly blends historic allure with modern versatility. Set on a spectacular treed lot with valuable VM8 zoning, this property offers not only a glimpse into the past but also the flexibility for contemporary living. Designed to accommodate multiple generations, the residence includes three fully equipped kitchens & multiple principal rooms & bedrooms, providing ample space & privacy for all family members.

House of The Week is a home selected by the Lookout team and is not a paid advertisement. All ads are labelled as such. If you’re a realtor who wishes to feature your home in our newsletter, please contact our sales team.

THE AGENDA

🚊 The Confederation Line of Ottawa’s LRT system stopped running for a brief period on Tuesday morning due to a camera problem. Some of the onboard cameras, along with those at stations which are required for the safety of customers, stopped working. Service began again about an hour and a half later. [CBC] 

🏒 Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer says they are much closer to reaching a deal to build a new hockey arena at LeBreton Flats. While admitting “there are more hurdles than what meets the eyes,” the teams owner said everyone agrees it’s the right location for the Sens and there is a “willingness” to reach a deal. The National Capital Commission and the Ottawa Senators have a deadline to reach an agreement by Sept. 20. [CTV]

🏚️ Heritage designations have been recommended for a few Rideau Street properties despite pushback from owners. While modern businesses are on the ground floor, the upper levels maintain their 19th or early 20th century facades. [CTV]

🇨🇳 The landscape of Chinatown is changing as traditional Asian businesses close and new ones take over. Yukang Li, executive director for the Chinatown BIA, said he is proud of the neighbourhood’s recovery, revitalization projects, and the direction it’s headed, saying multiculturalism is welcome. [Kitchissippi Times] 

🚴 As bike theft spreads across the city, three bike lockers are being installed in the ByWard Market, Downtown, and the Glebe. The first two hours are free, with the price set at 50 cents for an hour after that. According to Ottawa police, more than 700 bikes have been stolen this year. [CTV] 

👮‍♂️ Ottawa Police say no injuries were reported after shots were fired in Tanglewood, a neighborhood in the city’s south end. The shots rang out at around 10:30 p.m. Monday near the corner of Merivale Road and Woodfield Drive. “Multiple casings and other evidence” was found. [CTV]

🏚️ Three heritage buildings on St. Patrick St. between Dalhousie Street and Parent Avenue have been reluctantly approved for demolition. Despite their rich history, the facades have been altered over time and garbage, break-ins and rats have all been reported. When new buildings are erected on the site, they must “consider the artistic expression of the existing buildings and the contribution they made to the streetscape.” [Ottawa Citizen]

👮‍♂️ Police in Carleton Place are again renewing calls for information on two men who went missing in September 2022 and October 2023. Lawrence Bertrim was last seen on Sept. 30, 2022, with Robbie Thomson last seen about 13 months later. Ontario Provincial Police say it has not been determined if the two missing person cases are connected. [Ottawa Citizen] 

GIG LISTINGS

Petunia & The Vipers, Wednesday 8 pm: Petunia and his five-piece band of Vipers bring their eclectic blend of old-time country and swingin’ rockabilly. At the Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St.  Tickets $28. 

Jahmeema, Thursday 7:30 pm: Singer-songwriter whose smooth vocals draw inspiration from Erykah Badu, Sade, India Arie, D’Angelo, and Mylène Farmer. At Montgomery Scotch Lounge, 750 Gladstone Ave. Tickets $15.

Steve Boudreau & John Geggie, Friday 7:30 pm: Ottawa-based jazz pianist and renowned double bassist create a captivating musical dialogue. At 10,000 Hours, 353 Montréal Rd. Tickets $28.

Jeremy Dutcher, Friday 8 pm: Two-Spirit song carrier and composer transcending musical boundaries across his own traditions and classical influences. At the National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street.  Tickets $34.

The Exploited, Saturday 8 pm: Leading band of the UK’s second wave of punk, known for their raw, no-frills sound blending street punk, Oi!, and hardcore. At Brass Monkey, 250 Greenbank Rd. Tickets $53.

Listings are provided by OttawaGigs.ca, the best place to discover live music in Ottawa. Check out Ottawagigs.ca for full listings across the city.

SPORTS

🏒 Former National Hockey League player Alex Formenton, who previously played for the Ottawa Senators, appears to have exited playing hockey after being charged with sexual assault. The 24-year-old who now lives in Barrie, Ont, is working in construction and training in heavy equipment operation and administration. [Ottawa Citizen] 

🥅 The Ottawa Senators are getting excited for a new season which they hope will bring a new identity. The Sens made five trades in July and signed eight players through free agency over the summer, most recently adding veteran forward Nick Cousins on Aug. 29. [TSN]

🏈 The Ottawa RedBlacks could be finding their way to the playoffs if they win a game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this weekend. The last time the team was in the postseason was 2018. [TSN]

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Here is where you can find public restrooms in Ottawa. [Ottawa Citizen] 

• Try Log Off, a free newsletter that shares actionable strategies to build better habits with your phone and reclaim hours each day to focus on what matters. Subscribe instantly here. [Sponsored]

• The Renfrew fair has successfully wrapped up its 169th year. [Arnprior Today]

• Meet the Westboro man who dresses up as Spider-Man for charity. [Kitchissippi Times]

• A group of grannies crossed the Chief William Commanda Bridge on Sept. 8 to raise awareness for HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. [Kitchissippi Times]

• The Kanata Theatre has opened its 56th season with satire and technology in Lettice & Lovage. [Stittsville Central]

OTTAWA GAMES

Do you know where today’s Ottawa guesser is? Reply with your name and the correct location of the photo. The first five people to reply correctly will be mentioned in the next newsletter. Hint: It is a street that has a passageway to a pedestrian bridge.