| Montreal's employers and government officials are preparing to roll out the red carpet, but it's not celebrities they seek. They're courting the 310,000 office workers who have been absent for 15 months and whose patronage is vital to the survival of downtown restaurants and retail stores. Even as the city reopens after months under curfew, Montrealers have grown fond of working remotely: About 75% said in an April survey they want to continue to spend at least half their workweek at home. At the same time, employers are rethinking the raison d'etre of the office and considering new perks. Ideas under consideration include art installations in office towers and food courts, outdoor work spaces, after-work events and concierge services, according to the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. The group received C$8.5 million ($7 million) from the Quebec government to coordinate efforts in a campaign called "I love working downtown." The greater Montreal area, with almost half of Quebec's population of 8.5 million, was the epicenter of Canada's first wave of Covid-19. Thousands were killed as the coronavirus spread inside long-term care facilities.  Sainte-Catherine Street in downtown Montreal Photographer: Christinne Muschi/Bloomberg After a reopening attempt last summer, a new round of restrictions, including a nightly curfew, left the city center deserted for months. Now, rising vaccination rates and a drop in new cases are helping turn the focus back on the economy. A report published last month on the state of downtown Montreal shows the extent of the challenge. It said the rate of commercial inactivity—both temporary closures and vacancies—rose to 34% inside malls and 24% on Sainte-Catherine, the main shopping street, during the first quarter. The city and the French-speaking province are putting a combined C$25 million into plans to revive the district, including support for restaurants and small companies that need to redesign office space to scale down. Montreal, home to the rock band Arcade Fire, Cirque du Soleil and a vibrant artistic community, is also banking on its creative flair to lure both visitors and workers. The city has announced summer plans for the downtown area, including pedestrian zones, "oases" to socialize and relax, and street performances by circus, theater and music acts. Employers realize they also need to do their part. So there's talk of companies offering employees errand services and organizing social events such as "5 to 7" parties. That's the Quebec name for after-work drinks, and their return would be a welcome sign that downtown Montreal is coming back to life.—Sandrine Rastello | 
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