UPDATE: Hours of operation curtailed due to vandalism/crime in downtown washroom

Jun 14, 2021 | 6:00 PM

UPDATE:

Vernon council has voted to give downtown public washrooms one more roll, with reduced hours following nearly $46,000 in damage to three supposedly indestructible facilities.

Council approved spending $25,000 to repair the latest damage, which will take one of the transit loop washrooms out of service for up to 60 days.

Coun. Scott Anderson voted against the motion, calling for a complete closure except for special events.

“I think it is time to pull the plug on these things. I think as Councilor (Brian) Quiring said, fix them, open them for special events, otherwise close them down. Give the bus drivers a key, otherwise stop. It is a failed experiment,” Anderson said.

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“This is probably the worst damage we have seen, but it’s not the only damage we’ve seen, this is an escalating issue that is getting out of control,” Coun. Kari Gares said.

A motion by Gares to further restrict hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and have staff investigate how other municipalities are handling the issue, passed.

Coun. Kelly Fehr stated that it would be inhumane to close the washrooms for those that are living on the street.

Coun. Dalvir Nahal called it a waste of time for staff, resources and money.

Nahal and Fehr voted against the motion.

The washrooms were brought in following a task force report on downtown issues, and to stop individuals from defecating in doorways of downtown businesses.

ORIGINAL:

Despite reduced hours of operation and enhanced security, damage to downtown public washrooms, especially near the city transit hub, has continued to get worse.

The changes were hoped to have curbed the number of incidents of drug use, vandalism, and the washrooms being used as temporary housing.

Instead it appears to have been a challenge to those doing the damage, to do their worst, at a significant cost to taxpayers.

On June 3, 2021 one of the washroom facilities at the transit terminal sustained significant damage as a result of a fire that was set inside the washroom. The facility will be out of service for one to two months and will cost approximately $25,000 to repair.

“Initial review of the available data indicates that misuse of the facilities at the transit terminal is on the rise and that reducing the hours of operation has not had a significant effect. Staff will continue to monitor incidents and report back to council in October,” James Rice, Director, Operation Services stated in a report to council.

Council will be asked to spend $25,000 to repair the damaged washroom.

by Kevin Rothwell

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