Cochrane council approved a pilot project June 22, which will bring temporary washrooms to the downtown area.
The project will see temporary washrooms placed at the 4th Avenue road closure at a cost of $15,500 from June to September. The washrooms consist of a restroom trailer 20 feet long and 14 feet wide that has running hot and cold water, lights and air conditioning.
Mike Korman, economic development manager for the town, who presented the plan to council, said a number of First Avenue business owners have been facing a heavy burden on their washrooms, which are meant for paying customers. The site was suggested by the Historic Downtown Cochrane Business Committee, which represents these businesses.
Councillor Jeff Toews recalled similar issues during his time as a restaurant owner. “When I had my restaurant in town, years and years ago, it used to drive me nuts when people would come in and just use my washrooms and leave them absolutely disgusting.”
Korman said owners from five downtown businesses (who weren’t represented by the committee) were opposed to the project on the grounds that the washrooms might draw transient people, garbage and abuse. None approached council that evening to personally voice their concerns.
Council inquired about how quickly they could end the project if problems arose. Korman said the washrooms could be removed earlier than the three-month period without costing the entire amount. He added that facilities could be locked indefinitely in light of misuse.
The washrooms will be cleaned and maintained three times a week by the vendor, Mr. P. Potty, with visitor centre staff attending the facilities three times a day.
Councillor Mary Lou Davis asked about the next step if the project was successful. Korman suggested that permanent washrooms at the location would be considered.
Planter boxes – priced at $8,500 and intended to be placed around the trailer – were found to be too large and would infringe upon nearby parking stalls. Council decided to retain the boxes for use at another site.
An alternative plan of placing washrooms as part of a proposed causeway over the rail tracks by the Cochrane Provincial Building was put forth, but officials with the province weren’t open to the option, according to Korman.
Councillor Ross Watson voiced his desire to continue to push the province for a potential washroom site on their parking lot.
“I really don’t want to see this (washroom) at Fourth (Avenue) in this configuration as a glorified portable situation be our last attempt at doing something downtown.”
