Advocates are raising alarm that Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) could soon lose an essential service: public washrooms.
The city set up the restrooms, located at Pigeon Park and 144 East Hastings St., as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic and to serve a growing homeless population.
But the city says the washrooms were funded as a temporary measure, and now the funding from the province and the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) could run out later this month.
That would be a huge blow to DTES community members — many of whom are unhoused and face challenges accessing washrooms — according to Sarah Blyth, executive director of the Overdose Prevention Society.
Her organization operates the two restrooms, which she says are open everyday and receive between 15,000 to 22,000 visits annually.
The City of Vancouver says two public restrooms could close later this month due to a lack of funding. Sarah Blyth with the Overdose Prevention Society and harm reduction advocate Guy Felicella both say they’re vital to residents of the area.
“There are lineups all day long,” she said.
“It’s really helpful for people just even to wash their hands, to go to the washroom in a safe, dignified place.”
Blyth added public washrooms also benefit visitors and businesses, who wouldn’t have to deal with “poo or pee on the streets.”
The city told CBC News that it costs around $34,000 per month to operate the Hastings Street washroom, and around $27,000 per month to run the one at Pigeon Park.
The city also said it is currently trying to find funding from senior levels of government to continue operating the restrooms, but so far has not been able to identify new funding sources.
It’s “really expensive” to operate the public washrooms, according to Peter Meiszner, a city councillor.
Due to the complex needs of DTES residents, he says these facilities need 24/7 attendants to avoid the risk of drug overdoses.
He also says city staff are working on a broader public washroom strategy, which is coming to council this fall.
He added that residents can still rely on washrooms or comfort stations at places like Carnegie Community Centre and Victory Square while council attempts to find funding for the two restrooms.
“We all recognize that there’s a need, and it’s particularly acute in the Downtown Eastside,” Meiszner said.
In a statement to CBC News, the B.C. Ministry of Housing said it provides partial funding for the East Hastings Street washrooms, which will continue until the end of March 2025.
The ministry also said it received a request for public washroom funding in the DTES, and is currently reviewing the submission.
UBCM didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from CBC News.
For Blyth, given residents’ health needs and benefits to businesses in the area, it’s critical for the city to come up with funding for more public washrooms in the DTES.
“It’s not acceptable in any other way,” she said.