Sault rejects public washroom proposal, at least for now

The lack of 24-hour public washrooms has been a long-standing issue in the Sault, especially considering the rise in homelessness.

City staff looked to address the frequent headache for those in the downtown area, with an idea for a self-cleaning toilet in Clergue Park.

But after much back-and-forth at this week's meeting, city council voted against the recommendation, to the disappointment of some.

"There's a major issue of human decency and basic human rights," said Coun. Angela Caputo.

"We should have toilets available for folks in the downtown, 24 hours a day. I realize that there are security risks to that, but I think that, you know, we're running into issues where human waste is being found in places that it shouldn't be."

The $350,000 cost of automatic washrooms scared off many, but Caputo said that it is the best option.

"They have, a blue light in them, which is helpful to ensure that folks aren't able to use intravenous drugs inside of them," she said.

"There's the security measures where the door opens after 20 minutes. So, you're not having folks, sleeping in there. But further than that, there is sort of that fixed maintenance cost.”

Although there was discussion of changing course to a series of porta-potties, it's the timing of the conversation that didn't sit with well Sault Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.

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"Our budget is 90 per cent of the way -- the preliminary budget – 90 per cent of the way complete," Shoemaker said.

"At this point, it's going to be presented to council at the next meeting. And so to have, you know, extra things being brought to budget this late in the year (is) probably unpalatable."

Caputo said those around the council table agree there needs to be more public washrooms near the city's downtown, including at Clergue Park.

She expects that next year they will be able to come to a consensus and craft a plan for 24-hour facilities.