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Public Toilets at Outdoor Recreation and Parks Funding
Notice given by: Mayor Heron
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BUDGET POSTPONED MOTION:
recommendation
That $21,100 be put back in the Public Works budget for the Public Toilets at Outdoor Recreation Facilities and Parks, funded from the tax levy.
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Administration’s Understanding of the Intent of the Motion:
That $21,100 not be eliminated from Public Works budget and that the Public Toilets at Outdoor Recreation Facilities and Parks program continue status quo in the future.
Operational or Organizational Impacts if Motion is Approved:
None
Financial Implications of Motions:
This would add to the municipal tax requirement, resulting in a tax increase.
Stakeholder Consultations:
This program is jointly operated by Recreation and Parks and Public Operations. Recreation and Parks is aware of motion.
Background:
Prior to 2017, SASA worked with the City to place 4 portable toilets in City parks to help support their programs. This was fully funded by SASA.
Due to strong public demand for porta-potties in parks an Operating Business case presented by Recreation and Parks for 2017 to supply portable toilets at various locations, typically parks with sports fields, for the summer season (weeks between May 1- Sept 30).
A public survey was conducted in 2017 with 481 responses. 94% of the respondents supported a need for toilets in our parks
The program was expanded in 2018, through increased budget.
The program was halted in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic but in 2019 there were 23 parks supplied with a total of 30 toilets.
The 50% reduction in funding would reduce the number of porta-potties in sites with multiple units and parks would be prioritized so that those with the lowest booked hours would not be supplied.
Recreation and Parks provides the prioritization of locations in conjunction with group booking requirements while budget and contract for the service is administered by Public Operations.
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