PUBLIC WASHROOMS
for Old Strathcona and Downtown

The City of Edmonton recognizes a need for 24/7 publicly accessible washrooms around Whyte Avenue and has identified an emerging need around Jasper Avenue. In December 2009, City Council approved funding for permanent washrooms on Whyte Avenue and a pilot project on Jasper Avenue.

In February and March 2010, public consultation took place to test and confirm the criteria used in determining the best locations and designs for public washrooms. The survey engaged night time patrons, daytime shoppers, business owners, residents, and folks who work in the area. 852 surveys were collected relating to Whyte Avenue and 512 were collected for Jasper Avenue.

The following criteria was tested and ranked as important things to consider when determining locations and design.

Location Criteria:
Proximity to Pedestrian Traffic
Perception of Safety
Lack of other available washrooms
Highly Visible / Not Isolated
Easy to Find
Accessible to police foot traffic
Minimal Impact on Neighborhood
Minimal Impact on Business
City Owned / Operated
Potential Future Plans for Site
Access to Underground Amenities

Design Criteria:
Easy to Clean and Maintain
Safe & Secure
Well Lit
Functionality
Accommodates Someone with a Disability
Fits in with Landscape, Streetscape & Architecture
Good sight lines/ Passive Surveillance (CPTED)
Multiple Stalls Available
Artistic Elements


Traditional vs. APT?

The budget for permanent facilities in Old Strathcona includes one site for a permanent urinal and one site for a stand alone traditional style washroom or an Automated Public Toilet (APT). There are pros and cons for both the traditional style and the APT. The advantage of the APT is it will virtually clean itself and offers a level of security, but the disadvantage is that it is only one toilet/one person at a time. The traditional style requires more service and maintenance but it also offers multiple toilets. The overall costs for these two options are about the same. Continued research is being done to find the best solution that meets the confirmed criteria.


Permanent Locations in Old Strathcona

The locations for the permanent washroom site have been selected (see map):

1. A Permanent Urinal will be placed at the South Scona Parking Lot (SE corner of 81Ave/105St, across from the Keg)
2. A Permanent Multi Toilet Facility will be placed at the NE Corner of Whyte and Gateway Blvd (east across from the Strathcona Hotel)