Windsor's downtown core continues to hold the highest office vacancy rate in Canada, according to new data from commercial real estate firm CBRE. The current vacancy rate for downtown office space is 40.6 percent, more than double the national average of 18.2 percent.
Vacancy Rate Comparisons
Windsor's rate has remained nearly unchanged from last year, declining only marginally from 40.7 percent. This figure significantly outpaces other major Canadian markets, including Calgary at 29.9 percent, London at 31.5 percent, and Kitchener-Waterloo at 30.5 percent.
"We haven't seen a whole heck lot of change," said Brad Collins, vice-president of CBRE Windsor. "It's still very high vacancy."
Challenges for Downtown Leasing
Collins pointed to a mix of cost pressures and tenant priorities, such as parking availability and perceptions of public safety, as ongoing challenges for downtown leasing. "Those things are front of mind for tenants still. I think it's still a challenge that needs to be overcome, which obviously, the city is working on addressing," Collins told the Star. He added that while Windsor does not stand alone in facing these challenges, it certainly has the highest vacancy among all markets.
The city's retail vacancy rate downtown also showed little change from a year ago, holding steady at 33.1 percent. The firm noted it does not publish comparable retail figures for all major markets but estimates Windsor's rate to be the highest in the country as well.
Suburban Market Performance
While the downtown market continues to lag, Windsor's suburban commercial market posted stronger results. The suburban office vacancy rate improved to 12.1 percent, down from 14.9 percent in 2025. The national average suburban office vacancy rate is 16.4 percent. "Still a little bit high, but it's getting closer towards a balanced market," Collins said.
Meanwhile, the region's suburban retail market vacancy rate remained relatively tight at 3.7 percent, down from 4.3 percent previously. CBRE attributed the lower rate to continued leasing momentum in key power centre nodes across Windsor. "Vacancy is relatively low. There is a lot of momentum there in contrast to the retail vacancy in downtown," Collins added.
Downtown Office Vacancy Rates by City
- Windsor: 40.6 percent
- London: 31.5 percent
- Kitchener/Waterloo: 30.5 percent
- Calgary: 29.9 percent
- National average: 18.2 percent
