This week, Toronto City Council will consider introducing flexible hours or alternative work arrangements for City of Toronto employees, agencies and corporations. These arrangements could include compressed work weeks and telecommuting, among others.

The proposal comes as part of a broader effort to reduce the number of commuters traveling to and from work at high volume times every day. The council motion notes that Toronto suffers from traffic congestion, despite efforts to reduce the impact it has on commuters. These efforts include the removal of illegally parked vehicles during high volume times and the city’s commitment to continually improving Toronto’s public transit systems.

The idea of changing standard work arrangements was first brought to Toronto City Council’s attention in April 2002, by the Administration Committee, although the proposal was not acted upon at the time. Due to considerable technological advances that have occurred since 2002, the city’s Executive Committee is recommending that council revisit it.