For many marginalized individuals, having a safe space to maintain proper hygiene can leave a meaningful impact.
For that reason, the City of Prince George's downtown public washroom program has been recognized by a national organization and is receiving $48,000 to keep the facilities open until November.
In a release this morning (July 17), the Canadian Medical Association Foundation (CMAF) gifted the funds to support Prince George’s efforts in supporting at-risk residents and keeping their health and well-being a top priority by providing public washrooms in Canada Games Plaza.
According to the city, the washrooms were scheduled to close last Monday (July 13), but will now stay in operation for an additional four months.
They officially opened in April in response to COVID-19 in allowing individuals to practice good hygiene during the pandemic.
“On behalf of all our residents, I thank the CMAF and FCM for this important initiative,” said Garth Frizzell, Prince George city councillor and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) First Vice-President.
“These new funds will offer much-needed support to our community and will empower our municipality to help those who need it the most during this pandemic.”
The donation is being directed to the city by the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Vulnerable Populations, a collaboration between the CMAF and FCM.
The washrooms are located across from the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, is managed by the POUNDS Project Society and are cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis to meet with the recommendations of the B.C.’s Provincial Health Office.
Facilities are open from 7 to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight.
