Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg’s most popular portable bathroom – the bright orange, architecturally designed twin toilet facility that enjoyed its first run last summer – has returned to the city’s downtown.
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ-sponsored toilet, designed by BridgmanCollaborative Architecture, will be open for business at the corner of Main Street and Henry Avenue beginning today until the seasons change. The site is immediately adjacent to Thunderbird House and the Salvation Army Booth Centre, a location chosen to serve the needs of core-area individuals who may lack reliable access to public washrooms.
The pop-up toilet is returning to Winnipeg streets thanks to a partnership with the Main Street Project. The agency’s employees and clients will play a lead role in staffing the toilet kiosk, and will provide outreach services to users as needed.
“The response to the pop-up toilet last year shows there’s a real need for this service and we’re excited to welcome Main Street Project as a partner in bringing the toilet back downtown for another season,” said Kate Fenske, Chief Executive Officer of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “One of the key benefits last year was a noticeable increase in cleanliness and a decrease in vandalism in the immediate area where the pop-up toilet was located.”
Main Street Project Executive Director Rick Lees said the toilet’s popularity – it was used nearly 2,000 times during its inaugural run last year – reflects the level of need for safe and accessible public washroom facilities downtown.
“Main Street Project is proud to partner with the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ on providing this much needed service,” said Rick Lees, Executive Director of Main Street Project. “Access to safe, clean spaces for private personal hygiene is an ongoing issue for many people in our community. The intention of offering the services of the pop-up toilet is to contribute to everyone’s right to personal dignity; provide health equity to often marginalized populations; while also opening a dialogue towards long-term solutions that meet the needs of all Winnipeggers.”
While the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is proud to offer this portable solution, the organization that’s responsible for improving, promoting and beautifying downtown is exploring other long-term strategies for publically accessible washrooms that could be the right fit in Winnipeg.
The pop-up toilet will operate from 7:30am to 4pm, seven days a week (subject to change).