Scugog working with arts council to provide public washroom access

by The Standard | Podcast May 6th, 2021 https://thestandardnewspaper.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/New-Public-Washrooms-Scugog-May-6th-2021.mp3

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

SCUGOG: While the COVID-19 pandemic has closed many facilities, the Township of Scugog is working to help provide local shoppers with public washroom access.

At a meeting on Monday, April 26th, councillors saw a report recommending the township have staff work with the Scugog Council for the Arts to create an agreement which would see the local arts council location, at 175 B Queen Street, offer public washroom access, which they would be compensated for at a rate of $750 per month for 12 months.

“There are plans underway, in 2021, to have washrooms constructed at the Scugog Chamber of Commerce office, at 250 Queen Street, but these facilities are not expected to be available in the short term. As a result, temporary washroom facilities are required for at least 2-3 months. Anticipating the current lockdown will not continue all summer. The ability to have washrooms available for the public seven days a week is important to remove barriers. So the public will come, shop, and support businesses this year as restrictions ease,” the report read. “In addition, this continuing pandemic is putting additional pressure on businesses, and, is an opportunity for Council to support the local business community.”

Ward 5 Councillor Lance Brown questioned if the township could have signage put up to advise people of these public washrooms’ location.

“We will work with staff to ensure we have adequate signage for people to be aware [of] where the opportunity is,” CAO Ken Nix responded.

The CAO also explained the arts council will have these washrooms ready as soon as possible, depending on provincial restrictions. Council later passed the recommendations.

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