Toronto Region Board of Trade Applauds City of Toronto’s Plan to Reopen City Hall, Offices

“We applaud the Mayor, his team and city staff for their incredible leadership and work they’ve done throughout the pandemic,” said Jan De Silva, President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. “That leadership is why Toronto has one of the highest vaccination rates anywhere in the world, and why we are prepared to make this careful and considered return to office.”  

This announcement aligns with the Board’s ongoing campaign, We’re Ready Toronto, which has been preparing employers and workers for a return to office, celebrating Toronto’s local businesses and encouraging visitors back downtown. 

“As the Mayor said this morning, we are ready for this moment. Because of our high vaccination uptake – among the highest in the world – we can safely welcome people back even as new virus variants emerge,” said De Silva. “Our confidence was built on hard work. The Mayor, for instance, has been at the table with businesses and large employers to shape and support We’re Ready Toronto. From the very first days of looking at how the pandemic impacted the Financial District to what has become a regional effort 14 months later, he’s been a valued partner and collaborative force.”  

To support a more fulsome return of workers and visitors to Toronto, the Board will:  

• Continue equipping businesses with the tools and information they need to implement their own return-to-office plans.  
• Encourage the return of the visitor economy, which contributes billions to Toronto each year, particularly with resumed business travel and conferences.  
• Remain in step with small businesses, which have borne the heaviest economic burden during the pandemic, by championing local commerce and government supports.  

Today’s announcement is a crucial next step in reopening Toronto and revitalizing our economy. The Board looks forward to continuing down this path – alongside the City and governments of Ontario and Canada – to set the stage for a robust, complete economic recovery for our region.