Business, Chamber Statement, News Release, Provincial

Thousands Public Servants Return Downtown Monday: A Game-Changer for Local Businesses 

Edmonton business community celebrates employees heading back to coffee shops, restaurants, and retailers. 

January 30, 2026

EDMONTON – Starting Monday, 12,600 Alberta government employees are returning to work downtown five days a week, and Edmonton's business community couldn't be more excited to welcome them back. 

"This is exactly what our downtown needs," said Doug Griffiths, Edmonton Chamber CEO & President. "When thousands of people return to our core, the impact is immediate and real. Morning coffee runs, lunch meetings, after-work stops, that's the daily rhythm that fuels our small businesses and keeps our economy strong. We're thrilled to welcome everyone back. This is how our downtown will thrive, and Monday marks the beginning of something exciting for Edmonton." 

Since March 2020, downtown businesses have struggled with empty sidewalks and quiet lunch hours. Monday changes that.  

The numbers tell the story: 12,600 employees returning full-time means thousands more people walking downtown streets every single day. That's more customers for the café that opened during the pandemic, more diners keeping restaurants busy at lunch, and more shoppers supporting local retail. 

“We commend the Government of Alberta for taking this important step to bring more people back to Edmonton’s downtown.” said Cheryll Watson, chair of Edmonton's Downtown Revitalization Coalition. “The DRC has consistently highlighted that more people downtown is one of the most important drivers of revitalization and many of our members and the private sector have been leading in this area. Increased daily activity and vitality in the core supports local businesses and sends a strong signal of confidence to investors looking at downtown Edmonton.” 

Monday isn't just about going back, it's about moving forward. It's about rediscovering your favourite lunch spot, trying that new coffee shop everyone's been talking about, and being part of a vibrant downtown where businesses thrive and communities connect. 

The message is simple: downtown is open for business, and 12,600 new customers are on their way.

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