Queensway loo a go

Photo: City of Kelowna

When the City of Kelowna redesigned and reconstructed the Queensway Bus Loop, one of the features was to be a security pavilion beside the Kelowna Museum.

The pavilion would have provided a space for security personnel, public washrooms and possibly, a coffee bar. The project was postponed when costs exceeded the budget.

That space will finally be filled with what director of community safety Lance Kayfish believes will be an "animated space" centred around a unique "pop-up washroom."

The facility, similar to one designed and operated in Winnipeg last year, would be a fully plumbed, fully staffed temporary washroom "that will provide for a very inviting, very clean space."

It will be operated by attendants through a social enterprise staffed by PEOPLE Employment Services (Paid Employment for People with Lived Experiences).

After looking at several locations around Leon Avenue and the entrance to City Park, Kayfish said staff landed on the Queensway site.

If this one is successful, Kayfish said it may be repeatable at other downtown sites at a later date.

Utility services were included in the redevelopment of the loop in anticipation of a permanent facility, meaning along with running water and full functioning toilets, the facility will also have lights and heat. It will also be insulated in case the city decides to extend the three-month pilot into the winter months.

While the $206,000 price tag seemed high, Kayfish said about a quarter of that money is in the form of GST and a larger than normal contingency, which could be reimbursed. Only about $85,000 is earmarked for actual capital costs and servicing.

Mayor Colin Basran said while the project is something that's needed downtown, the real story is the opportunity afforded to the PEOPLE program.

We have heard cities in the United States saying if you are homeless, we will provide you with employment opportunities, he said.

"This is our way to start to contribute in that manner."