Pitch made for public washrooms

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 09, 2010 7:00 PM

The call of nature is being added to the City of Vernon’s agenda. Council was told Monday that there is a considerable need for public toilets downtown. “People do need access to washrooms,” said Annette Sharkey, with the Partners In Action committee which has been researching the matter. “It’s part of a safety plan and a health plan.” Currently, public washrooms are available at the library when it’s open and the Upper Room Mission has facilities for its clients. The committee has determined there’s a need for public washrooms to accommodate tourists and residents who are shopping. “The homeless/street population ideally requires access 24 hours to maintain health and avoid public defecation and urination,” states a report to council. Bar patrons have also been identified as a target group to avoid public urination. A number of other communities have been reviewed to see how they handle public washrooms. Kelowna has facilities near the waterfront but there is limited access during the winter, while Kamloops has public washrooms in its cultural centre/museum.

New York City has introduced 20 pay toilets, while Grand Rapids, Michigan has installed portable toilets for the homeless in a parking lot. “There could be public washrooms in future downtown planning,” said Sharkey. “They would be for residents, tourists and people living on the street.” The committee is researching grants that could see people at risk involved in constructing the washrooms or decorating them. “If you make the washrooms a space of beauty, you are less likely to have vandalism,” said Sharkey. The cost of building washrooms is also being investigated. “We are looking for partnerships to keep costs down,” said Sharkey.

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Don Quixote note: The 'Loo Rider' is pictured above and may be an interim solution to Bathrooms Downtown.