Pedestrians make their way past Greta, 10141 109 St. NW, in Edmonton on Monday, July 20, 2026. Photo by David Bloom /Postmedia

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I’m getting tired of hearing how hybrid workers are partially to blame for businesses shutting down in downtown Edmonton. I, and all of my colleagues haven’t been hybrid for several months.

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The Greta bar is just that — a bar. It isn’t even open for lunch. Even when we had a hybrid working arrangement, we were still downtown three days per week. Our bosses, managers and lawyers work downtown three-five days per week and, yes, many of them are eating out regularly — because they can afford to.

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Whether average workers are hybrid or not, eating out is an unaffordable luxury when one is struggling to pay for groceries and gas. This luxury is even more unaffordable compared to a few years ago with higher restaurant food costs and the constant pressure to tip more. With the loss of hybrid working arrangements within the past year, workers are paying additional costs associated with commuting and wearing more expensive clothes.

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Hybrid working arrangements are modern, efficient, cost-saving for employers, and a godsend to parents and caregivers. Stop blaming hybrid workers for business closures. The Government of Alberta justified taking away hybrid working arrangements supposedly as a means to save businesses in the core. Clearly, denying hybrid work has not helped keep businesses afloat, as there are other issues, such as crime, inflation, excessive construction, and lack of parking.

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T.J. Caine, St. Albert

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As a downtown resident and businessperson I’ve noticed an improvement through more police and peace officer patrols. Good job, officers! Much appreciated!

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We need to continue this momentum in regards to curtailing the negative social behaviour. Edmonton has a very large downtown and the infrastructure is in place to create a fantastic central business and entertainment area. Let’s not give up on this very worthy endeavor.

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Garth Petruk, Edmonton

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Letters welcome

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