Washroom site flushes out concerns

Jul 29, 2019 | 5:30 AM

The proposed site for a public washroom in downtown Vernon could create some debate in the business community — and on city council.

After getting input from the Downtown Vernon Association and other groups, city staff have come up with what they feel is the best site for the facility.

Staff is recommending it be located in the boulevard green space just west of the Nature’s Fare parking lot on 30th Avenue, bounded by 35th Street and Coldstream Avenue.

The recommendation will be before city council at their meeting this afternoon.

“The proposed location was historically a busy public space as it served as the former bus terminal and is at the junction of three public roads with no immediate neighbours. It is highly visible, accessible by public sidewalk on three sides and within a half block of where a sound stage is often set up for special events booked along 30 Avenue,” Laurie Cordell the manager of long range planning and sustainability said in a report to council.

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The washroom would be for the street population and others.

“It is anticipated that the new public washroom will reduce the pressure on downtown businesses to provide washroom services to non-customers. This location is a high pedestrian traffic area, which naturally encourages informal surveillance,” Cordell added.

Some businesses have agreed with the appropriateness of the location, but most have concerns,” Cordell said. The report added the safety of employees, students and customers were top concerns on that list followed by attracting more street entrenched populations and activities.

City administration is proposing to increase the level of service and monitoring and to re-assess the situation after the first year of operation, and to light the building and surrounding area so that users and passers-by do not feel threatened and allowing easier surveillance of activities.

The report said the city got input for the site from the Safety Action Task Force, Toilet Action Team, the Downtown Business Association and service providers.

by Pete McIntyre

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