Calgary’s fewer publicly available restrooms reflect lack of inclusion

The city is setting up public restrooms for fans along the red mile, and some are asking the question of why these aren’t more common across the city.

“It’s unfortunate that we don’t have enough accessible washrooms that promote that human dignity that we truly all deserve,” said Chaz Smith President, CEO, and Founder of BeTheChangeYYC.

“Everyone deserves the right to use the washroom in peace and quiet,” says Smith.

Smith says it’s great there are these temporary washrooms along 17th Avenue, as increased access to washroom facilities is a positive thing.

A trip out and about in the city isn’t as easy for many, including those who are pregnant or have an inflammatory bowel disease.

“And I’ve always had to kind of take that extra step from the rest of my friends to make sure that if I had to jolt to the washroom, that I had the chance,” says Andy MacIsaac, marketing coordinator for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.

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MacIsaac has lived with Crohn’s for nearly 17 years and says a lot of people don’t realize how many people have to plan their days around knowing where public washrooms are.

On days when the Flames aren’t playing these temporary washrooms were locked and zip tied.

“I would need both hands to count the number of times I’ve had to walk in with a five-dollar bill, basically pre-pay for the cheapest item just to use the washroom,” said MacIsaac.

A luxury those experiencing homelessness can’t afford.

“Unfortunately, when you look like a person experiencing homelessness you often become targeted as an unwanted guest in a facility that any of us truly could access,” said Smith.

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The city says they have publically accessible washrooms in all city buildings as well as eleven locations inside Zone 8, the area inside of Memorial, Deerfoot, Glenmore, and Crowchild.

But of those locations, one is closed for construction, most are closed in the winter, and most also aren’t open past sunset. For example, a bathroom in Tompkins Park is the only one in the city which is automated and available 24/7.

Smith says there is more that the city and business owners can do to ensure Calgarians are able to use a washroom in peace.

“Encourage the public to just remember that people experiencing homelessness, they can safely use your washroom and that can be okay,” said Smith.