Pilot washroom trailer closes October 31
The piloted washroom trailer located at the site of the Central Urban Métis Federation (CUMFI) office at 315 Avenue M South will be closed for the season on October 31.
The washroom trailer officially opened on August 27 and has been accessed over 14,304 times throughout the pilot by people of all ages. The trailer was staffed 24/7 by the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Sawēyihtotān Program, providing a welcoming and safe place. People using this washroom location could use the facilities to wash up, rinse their clothes, have a snack along with a bottle of water or coffee. Sawēyihtotān Outreach also offered additional assistance with accessing emergency shelter and provided transportation and advocacy to connect individuals with other necessary resources.
“This pilot project has been a very positive experience for the City, Sawēyihtotān, CUMFI and those using the facility,” says Pamela Goulden McLeod, Director of the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization. “What this project has done is provide a safe place for people to come have a sense of belonging while being treated with dignity and respect. It also acted as an informal navigation centre for anyone who looking for help, shelter and stability.”
The facility was fully operational for the entire time it was open, with only minor plumbing repairs needed, which were associated with the high volume of users. There was no intentional damage done to the washrooms at any time.
“The feedback we’ve received from community partners and users has been overwhelmingly positive. The facility and partnership model has proven to be a much-needed resource, and the trailer has been a great success story for our community,” says Goulden McLeod. “We extend our thanks to CUMFI for hosting the washroom trailer, to Sawēyihtotān for staffing the trailer location, to the Saskatoon Friendship Inn for providing daily sandwiches and for all of the residents, businesses and partners who provided their support.”
A total of $700,000 was allocated to the project from the City’s Reserve for Capital Expenditures. To date, approximately $506,300 has been spent on the washroom which includes purchase of and modifications to the trailer, staffing, supplies and maintenance. The used trailer itself cost just under $52,000 to purchase.