FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Do you know where to go when you need to go?
Voices Influencing Change is launching a new map of public washrooms in downtown Whitehorse on Monday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Rotary Park (by the bathroom). Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
This spring, Voices Influencing Change surveyed residents at Whitehorse Connects about public washrooms — where they are located, where the gaps are, and what else is needed. One key finding from the survey was that many people didn't know where to go when they needed to go. Voices created the map in response, so that residents and visitors alike can easily find the washrooms that are available — and to draw attention to the gaps that remain.
Access to washrooms is a basic need. For people experiencing homelessness, seniors, families with kids, people with health conditions, and tourists, the lack of accessible public washrooms downtown is a significant barrier. The survey and map are part of Voices Influencing Change's broader advocacy for improved washroom access in downtown Whitehorse.
“We are using our collective voice to build awareness in our community for an amenity where each of us has a place to go with dignity,” says Voices member Michelle Stimson.
One thing Voices found when they were researching bathroom locations was that many of the washrooms are inside government buildings — the Yukon Legislature, the courthouse, the Elijah Smith Building, and City Hall. They close when government offices close, and not everyone feels comfortable walking into a government space just to use the washroom. Downtown Whitehorse has few washrooms that were built for the purpose of public washroom access.
Additional research from this project also found that there are no public bathrooms downtown open after 9 p.m. except three locations with outhouses, and those only operate May to September.
Based on what they heard, Voices Influencing Change is recommending:
"Reading stories from the bathroom survey was hard to do at times," said Voices Project Coordinator Keitha Clark. "People often shared about having to go behind a garbage bin or bush, or choosing to stay home. Bathrooms have a big impact on being able to feel safe, dignified and able to participate in community life. Ensuring there is signage and prioritizing investment in public bathrooms is a way to increase safety and well-being in the downtown core for everyone."
Voices Influencing Change is an advocacy and peer support group for people with lived experience of poverty, homelessness, and social exclusion. It is operated through the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition. Learn more about Voices here.
Copies of the bathroom map will be available at the launch and distributed at locations throughout downtown Whitehorse.
Public Washrooms in downtown Whitehorse Map
Better bathrooms benefit everyone.
Media Contact
Keitha Clark
Project Coordinator, Voices Influencing Change
Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition
867-334-7250
info@yapc.ca