As large employers in Toronto's financial district push for a four-day work week in-office, small businesses within the PATH, a vast underground network, anticipate increased foot traffic. The PATH, spanning 30 kilometres with over 1,200 businesses, faced hardships during the pandemic due to reduced patrons. While there has been a slight recovery, increased traffic is primarily noted mid-week. Business owners like Jerry Li emphasize their need for on-site customers, while others like Modern Golf report a doubling in foot traffic, indicating a positive trend as banks enforce more in-office days.
The PATH Toronto's underground pedestrian walkway network spans 30 kilometres and has more than 1,200 businesses. During the pandemic, those businesses suffered as foot traffic dropped dramatically and never fully returned with the adoption of hybrid working models.
Jerry Li, owner of an INS convenience store under First Canadian Place, highlighted that small businesses, dependent on foot traffic, cannot operate remotely and require clients to visit in person.
Modern Golf has experienced significant growth, reporting a 100% increase in foot traffic from 2023 to 2024, demonstrating a positive recovery trend for businesses in the PATH.
TD Bank, along with other large banks, has mandated four in-office working days per week, while many employees express a preference for remote or hybrid work.
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