Employers around Toronto eye work from home options to avoid World Cup traffic

The CN Tower can be seen behind condos in Toronto's Liberty Village community in Toronto, THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

A number of major employers around the city are pivoting in order to avoid work disruptions during the World Cup in Toronto amid concerns over major congestion and large crowds.

“Team members will have the option to work from home on match days,” Ubisoft Canada Spokesperson Caroline Stelmach told CP24.com in an email.

The large video game company has offices in the city’s west end and is one of a number of large employers that plan to allow flexible work arrangements during the tournament.

University Health Network (UHN), which includes Toronto General Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Western Hospital and other sites, told CP24.com it is “fully prepared to support the health needs of our communities throughout the FIFA World Cup.”

But the hospital network said managers may, where appropriate, use their discretion to “offer work location flexibility to individuals with approved hybrid work arrangements” during the games.

“This approach is intended to help prioritize access to our hospitals for patients, visitors, and staff in critical front line care roles, while ensuring there is no impact to patient care, service delivery, or operational requirements.”

UHN said it is also encouraging patients and visitors to plan for additional travel time on days when games are played in Toronto.

“Should there be any extraordinary changes to clinical delivery, patients will be informed directly, and updates will be shared on UHN.ca and UHN social media channels,” UHN said. “System wide plans are in place to support patient care and respond to any potential increase in demand.”

Financial institutions are a major employer in the city. However a number of large banks did not respond to requests for information around possible employee accommodations during the World Cup.

The Ontario government previously confirmed to CP24 that managers will have the ability to approve work-from-home arrangements on weekdays when daytime games are played in the city.

And in a statement, the City of Toronto said that while it will continue to operate on a “business-as-usual basis” to deliver services during the games, “divisions may take the FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule into account when determining in-office attendance.”

The city continues to have a hybrid work policy which requires eligible staff to work three days in office per week, however just 28 per cent of city employees are eligible, as most need to be on-site for their jobs.

“Staff are also encouraged to plan their commutes in advance and consider transit, cycling or walking where feasible,” the city said in its statement.

City aiming to reduce regular traffic by 40 per cent some days

Toronto is set to host six World Cup matches in the city. The games themselves are expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, running from June 12 to July 2.

However, the city is also planning to host FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and The Bentway, where games will be broadcast for large crowds. The festival will include food vendors, live performances from a number of major artists, dance parties and more. It runs from June 11 to July 19.

While the city has expressed confidence in its plans to manage crowds, traffic and transit, it has also asked employers to be flexible with their employees in order to reduce congestion.

“FWC26 will substantially increase demand on the road and transit network, particularly on match days. Weekday matches will create significant congestion as post‑match crowds overlap with regular commuter travel, especially at Union Station and within the downtown road network,” city staff caution in Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Mobility Plan.

Staff note that with anticipated Road and transit networks expected to “experience demand well beyond their capacity,” it will be necessary to change travel behavior in order to keep the system operating.

They estimate the city will need to see a reduction of 40 per cent in regular traffic on game days in order for roads and transit to operate smoothly.

Part of the strategy involves engaging the business community to “adapt their travel behaviors.”

BIA says plan in place for Liberty Village

The additional traffic is expected to impact much of downtown Toronto, but when it comes to the area adjacent to Toronto stadium at the Exhibition Place grounds, the local Business Improvement Area (BIA) says additional plans are in place.

“Liberty Village BIA has taken a proactive and coordinated approach to workplace accommodations during the World Cup, recognizing that the neighbourhood will continue to function as both a major employment district and a host area adjacent to the stadium,” Liberty Village BIA Executive Director Abhi Kathuria told CP24.com in an email.

Kathuria said the BIA Has been encouraging a “transit first” approach for those who live and work in the area and has been working with the city and Metrolinx to ensure there is additional service.

“Businesses are also adapting operationally to minimize disruptions. Many are proactively scheduling deliveries, servicing, and logistics operations outside road-closure windows or on non-match days to maintain smooth day-to-day operations,” Kathuria said. “Employers are exploring flexible work arrangements, adjusted hours, and staggered schedules where appropriate to help employees navigate match-day conditions.”

He said the World Cup will likely be “one of the most significant moments in the neighbourhood’s history” and businesses in the area are trying to make sure they not only keep working through the games, but that they take advantage of the moment as well.

The BIA has been busy at work making sure transit in the area is sufficient, and encouraging special promotions among businesses around the games.

“Our overall goal is to ensure Liberty Village remains accessible, functional, and business-ready throughout the World Cup, while also allowing local businesses and employers to benefit from the increased economic activity and global visibility the tournament will bring,” Kathuria said.