Office workers still aren't back in full force, so what's next for Canada's downtowns?
More than a year after pandemic-era restrictions lifted, many urban downtowns in Canada are still dealing with vacant offices, low foot traffic and safety concerns. Calgary and Winnipeg are two cities putting recovery plans in motion.
![Office workers still aren't back in full force, so what's next for Canada's downtowns?](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7026131.1699663996!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/covid-alta-reopening-20200610.jpg?#)
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7026131.1699663996!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/covid-alta-reopening-20200610.jpg)
![Empty downtown streets in Calgary, Alta., Wednesday, March 18, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The province has said everything from casinos, gyms and arenas to spas, movie theatres and pools can reopen Friday as part of Stage 2. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh An empty downtown street.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7026131.1699663996!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/covid-alta-reopening-20200610.jpg)
More than a year after pandemic-era restrictions lifted, many urban downtowns in Canada are still dealing with vacant offices, low foot traffic and safety concerns. Calgary and Winnipeg are two cities putting recovery plans in motion.