The issue of downtown public bathrooms, or lack-there-of, is back on Prince George city council’s agenda.
After the topic was brought up at the April 29 meeting, city staff has returned with a report outlining the complexities of the issue and four options to improve public washroom access.
The report also provides council with an overview of the research undertaken to gauge the feasibility of enhancing public washroom access in the downtown.
Inclusion of a public washroom was considered during the design of Wood Innovation Square, the park currently under construction beside the Wood Innovation and Design Centre building.
The research included a literature review and consultation with other municipalities and downtown service providers.
With consideration of the research, the options the city has outlined in the report put forward include:
- Opening the washrooms at the Canada Games Plaza from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with an experienced and skilled monitor on-site during operating hours. It is recommended that this option operate as a pilot during the period June 15 – October. Custodial staff would provide daily cleaning services. This option would cost an estimated $77,250.
- Enhance access to washrooms located in selected downtown service provider locations by providing funding to enable dedicated monitoring services. Recommended sites would include Saint Vincent de Paul, Positive Living North (Firepit), and AWAC. This option would cost an estimated $36,000.
- Enhance capacity of the Prince George Public Library (PGPL) to permit washroom access by funding the addition of a full-time, year-round bathroom attendant. This option reflects current usage and accessibility of washrooms at PGPL. This option would cost an estimated $63,695.
- Partner with Downtown Prince George to develop and implement a grant program incenting businesses to enable inclusive public access through bathroom design upgrades and the engagement of experienced and skilled on-site monitors. The estimated cost would be determined depending on consultation.
Council will be asked to consider the proposed options to address public access to washrooms in the downtown and direct administration to implement either one or a combination of options.
To see what else is going on at tonight’s council meeting you can check out the full agenda online.
If you can’t attend the 6 p.m. council meeting, you can livestream it from the comfort of your own home, and if you’re too busy to watch it, you can come back and check it out later.
The city archives all livestreams.
You can also follow PrinceGeorgeMatters reporter Hanna Petersen on Twitter (@hannaepeter) for a live feed of the meeting highlights.
