WHEREAS the numbers of people in our community who are unsheltered have increased dramatically, and there are inadequate washroom facilities for those who are unsheltered; and
WHEREAS we are seeing evidence of an increase of public defecation and urination, potentially posing a public health risk to humans, animals, and the environment; and
WHEREAS due to the significant compromised health conditions of those who are unsheltered, and for safety and security reasons, public washrooms require enhanced maintenance and supervision; and
WHEREAS according to the Canadian National Housing Strategy Act of 2019, every person has a fundamental human right to housing; and
WHEREAS basic housing includes provision of heat, washroom facilities, and clean water; and
WHEREAS the responsibility for public health lies with provincial and federal governments and health authorities such as Island Health;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED Council direct staff to request a meeting with Island Health’s Medical Health Officer and appropriate Island Health staff to discuss the health impacts of the lack of adequate daytime and no after-hours washroom facilities for those without shelter; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor, on behalf of Council, send a letter to Island Health requesting the urgent provision of capital and operational funding to support downtown 24-hour washroom facilities; and
BE IT RESOLVED that Island Health be requested to appear as a delegation at Council to respond to the City’s requests regarding provision of and support for downtown 24-hour washroom facilities.