By Victor Kaisar

Expanded Washroom Access

Prince George Council to debate access to public washrooms downtown

Dec 1, 2024 | 1:15 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George City Councillors will be debating a motion that is looking to increase access to public washrooms in the downtown core.

The notice of motion from Councillors Tim Bennett and Trudy Klassen is set to be discussed during Monday’s council meeting, Dec. 2.

“Access to public washrooms is incredibly important when it comes to inclusion, accessibility and ensuring a strong, healthy and welcoming community,” Bennett and Klassen say in the notice of motion.

“Access to public washroom space is not only to support those currently un or underhoused but also to support families with young children, individuals with either visible or invisible medical conditions and those who drink too many coffees on their trip to the Farmer’s Market.”

If the notice of motion is approved as presented, City staff will be back with a report by the third quarter of next year – between July and September – that will highlight what public washroom access is currently available in downtown Prince George.

Expanded Washroom Access

Prince George Council to debate access to public washrooms downtown

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It would also build a question or option in appropriate future surveys to determine both the need and demand for such facilities, and also explore what grant funding may be available to expand safe public washroom access around the year.

“Currently, the City of Prince George closes access to washroom facilities in parks as the weather starts to turn, further limiting access to free public washroom facilities,” the notice of motion added.

“It is important to recognize that the addition of transitional housing projects will bring additional washroom access facilities to those residents accessing the services, however this is still a lack of washrooms for general public use.”

City Councillors will also work on an advocacy plan to lobby both the Provincial and Federal governments for increased capital funding to communities so they can ensure there is “safe and clean access to washrooms for all residents.”

You can find the agenda for the entire meeting here.