Public downtown washrooms still unclear

Apr 13, 2026 | 8:55 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Do they or don’t they? That was the debate around Council chambers last about to provide and fund public washrooms in the downtown.

The City conducted a survey of the public and found that residents were equally divided on the issue.

In its report to Council, it was noted the history is lengthy.

“Access to public washrooms in downtown Prince George has been discussed for many years, shaped by ongoing and polarized concerns related to availability, safety, maintenance, and impacts on surrounding businesses and service providers. The City has examined this issue through multiple reports and consultations, including engagement with downtown service providers in 2018, 2022, and 2025, as well as a 2022 survey with individuals who experience homelessness and rely on downtown services. A temporary pilot at Canada Games Plaza in the summer of 2020 provided short term access during the COVID 19 pandemic and offered practical lessons regarding operations, monitoring, and costs. The City also currently incurs significant ongoing costs related to managing public biohazards in the downtown, including cleanup of human waste and associated impacts, which provides additional context for considering potential approaches to improved washroom access.”

The survey found that residents were equally divided around whether there is an appetite for providing such a service.

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However, there was some discussion around the $250,000 annual bill to provide the washrooms, when the City has already spent millions to ensure services are available to the public.

“Is this still the problem we used to have? What I’m hearing is that it isn’t as big an issue as it used to be,” noted Councillor Cori Ramsay. That sentiment was echoed by Councillor Kyle Sampson, who added, the City has spent millions on providing amenities to the public, the marginalized, in particular, that can be accessed.

“This is not a top funding priority for me.”

But that was countered by Councillors Brian Skakun and Tim Bennett, both of whom noted there is still a lack of services in the city’s core.

“Talk to businesses that are having to deal with defecation in front of their shops.”

Ultimately Council opted to have Administration to return to Council with options for operating, including installation and maintenance, and possible locations to possible be included in the 2027 capital budget.

by Cheryl Jahn

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Public downtown washrooms still unclear

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