WINNIPEG – When you have to go, you have to go, even if it’s in Downtown Winnipeg.
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ understands the need to go and is working with partner, Siloam Mission, in taking action to help. Introducing pop-up toilets in Downtown Winnipeg that are free to use and available to everyone.
The pilot project was launched to fill a need for clean and accessible facilities that are no longer easy to find and can be a challenge to access as most washrooms are no longer open to the public. Most toilets in downtown Winnipeg are now only available to customers.
“Winnipeg used to have public facilities in the past and now they do again,” says Stefano Grande. “We knew those visiting downtown weren’t flush with options, so it is our hope these new toilets will be both practical and thought provoking.”
The temporary facilities will be set up outside Holy Trinity Church on Graham at Smith Street, but because they are potable potties they can be moved around the core throughout the summer and fall, and the intention is to be in four different locations through the summer and fall.
Our partner Siloam Mission will provide staff to work the kiosk attached to the toilets. They’ll provide light cleanup duties and answer questions from the steady stream of users and those interested in the initiative. They will also sell branded items like a reusable water bottles, lunch bags, t-shirts, original art cards, plus newspapers from the Winnipeg Free Press. Proceeds of the sales will go to support the Mission’s programs. Hours of operation will be limited to start, but the hope is to eventually be open into the evening and on weekends.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN WINNIPEG BIZ