Funds found for washrooms in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

The City of Vancouver has secured funding to keep three public washrooms in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) operational, addressing concerns from community advocates about their potential closure. Originally established during the COVID-19 pandemic and intended to support the growing homeless population, these washrooms at Oppenheimer Park, Pigeon Park, and 144 East Hastings St. were facing funding uncertainties.

The city has allocated internal funds, using contingency funds and savings from various departments, to maintain the washrooms. Sarah Blyth, executive director of the Overdose Prevention Society (OPS), which operates the Pigeon Park and 144 East Hastings washrooms, expressed relief, noting that these facilities are crucial for the community, receiving between 15,000 to 22,000 visits annually. Despite this temporary funding solution, the city acknowledges that these funds are not permanent. Operating costs are approximately $27,500 per month for Pigeon Park and $37,000 for Oppenheimer Park. The city is exploring long-term, more cost-effective washroom models that meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.

Funding for the Hastings Street washroom, managed by OPS with potential additional one-time provincial support, is expected to last until the end of 2024. The city has also extended funding for Project Hope, a street cleaning initiative that employs people facing employment barriers, until the end of 2024. However, funding for the Astoria Hotel washroom trailer on East Hastings Street, which costs between $500,000 to $1.3 million annually, remains unresolved. City staff are working on a broader public washroom strategy to be presented to the council this fall. Blyth emphasized the need for permanent solutions to avoid additional public health and sanitation issues.

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