US Edition
Ottawa office market experts left in the dark over feds’ return-to-work needs
Federal acquisition of a 14-storey Ottawa office raises questions about space needs as public servants face increased in-office mandates, while long-term portfolio reductions are reassessed.
- The federal government bought a 14-storey building at 131 Queen St. last month, valued at $148.2 million, after housing House of Commons staff for two decades.
- PSPC spokeswoman Michèle LaRose wrote in an email that converting leased space to Crown ownership will realize long-term savings, and PSPC is reviewing office needs to inform a downtown strategy after recent announcements.
- Unions warn that federal space shortages could worsen as Treasury Board's rules require full-time office work from May and most staff four days a week in July, with Mitch Strohminger noting the building purchase could allow desk-sharing changes.
- Landlords and brokers in Ottawa's downtown office market are waiting for clarity, with the federal government having given up about one million square feet over recent years, Shawn Hamilton said.
- With the 2026 budget, the federal government aims to cut its office portfolio over 10 years, but PSPC still controls over $148.2 million worth of space, half of which is vacant or underused.
37 Articles
37 Articles
Ottawa real estate market observers are asking the federal government to be clearer about its workspace needs as public servants prepare to return to work more often in the office.
The Toronto Star
Ottawa office market experts left in the dark over feds’ return-to-work needs
OTTAWA - Ottawa real estate watchers are calling on the federal government to be more clear about its workspace needs as public servants prepare to spend more time in the
Winnipeg Free Press
Ottawa office market experts left in the dark over feds' return-to-work needs
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Wayne Liko has worked with the feds for years. He sees one thing missing from the RTO debate
Wayne Liko has worked with the federal government for almost 30 years. In his view, federal office buildings aren’t ready for a return-to-office mandate. Already an Insider? Log in Get Instant Access to This Article Become an Ottawa Business Journal Insider and get immediate access to all of our Insider-only content and much more. Learn More and Become an Insider Critical Ottawa business news and analysis …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 79% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
