Ottawa Mandates Full Return to Office, Sparking Controversy

City of Ottawa employees will return to the office five days a week starting January 1, 2026, as part of a directive issued by city management. This decision has ignited criticism from some city councillors who argue it contradicts the city’s goals for community development and employee well-being.

In a memo dated August 26, Wendy Stephanson, the city manager, described the move as “the new standard” for all city employees. She noted that over 85 percent of city staff are already working onsite daily. The memo emphasized the importance of in-person work for fostering collaboration and maintaining a strong organizational culture.

Kitchissippi Councillor Jeff Leiper publicly expressed his “profound disappointment” regarding the return-to-office mandate, calling it a “short-sighted decision.” He voiced his concerns on social media, highlighting the negative impact on traffic congestion and the vitality of local businesses that have thrived during the work-from-home period. Leiper stated, “As we learn more from Statistics Canada this morning about longer commute times, adding even more traffic congestion is the wrong direction.”

Leiper further criticized the decision as contrary to the vision outlined in the city’s official plan for developing complete communities and revitalizing downtown Ottawa. He emphasized that the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements allows office workers to spend more time with their families and supports local economies. “Taking that away weakens our neighbourhood main streets and undermines communities that have finally started to thrive,” he added.

Somerset Councillor Ariel Troster echoed Leiper’s sentiments, raising questions about the timing of the directive. She pointed out that a similar mandate was issued recently by Premier Doug Ford for all Ontario Public Service Agency and Commission workers. Troster remarked, “If we haven’t made the proper investments to ensure fast and frequent transit, this will just add more cars to the road and increase congestion in Centretown.”

Troster also highlighted the benefits of hybrid work arrangements, especially for parents and caregivers, often women. She remarked, “Offering flexibility means people can do their best,” noting that city staff have remained responsive and helpful regardless of their work location during the ongoing hybrid system.

The city’s senior leadership team is committed to regularly reviewing its hybrid work policies, according to Stephanson’s memo. They aim to align with best practices and comparable employers to ensure workforce policies evolve with changing standards. The memo concluded that a collective return to the five-day office standard would bolster confidence in the city’s ability to deliver reliable services to the public.

As the City of Ottawa moves forward with this directive, the implications for employee welfare, urban congestion, and local businesses remain a point of contention among city officials and the community. The decision signifies a pivotal moment in Ottawa’s approach to workplace management as it seeks to balance organizational needs with the realities of modern work-life dynamics.