This article was previously published on GuelphToday.
With an eye on providing assistance to the unhoused population, city officials have identified five parks where new washrooms, needle disposal containers and waste collection bins could be added.
Identified in a report released Friday afternoon, they are Marksam Park (146 Marksam Rd.), Lyon Park (299-301 York Rd.), Lee Street Park (71 Lee St.), Goldie Mill Park (75 Cardigan St.) and River Walk Park – the sliver of land between the Metalworks buildings fronting Arthur Street South and the Speed River, near Neeve Street.
“The locations were chosen based on proximity to existing and previous encampments that were known to staff and community partners, as well as locations where no existing washroom, sharps container, or waste receptacle was available to meet basic needs,” the report explains. “Parks were deemed the most feasible location to add washrooms given they are city-controlled and can serve the widest number of people.”
Back in August, city council directed staff to work with the health and housing community planning table to identify basic needs, develop a plan and propose a budget. Friday’s report is the result of that direction.
“It is important to note that some of these locations do have existing portable washroom sites, or permanent washrooms that are not available year-round. However, due to the regularity of encampments in the surrounding areas, additional washrooms, sharps containers, and waste and recycling bins, which are delivered to each individual encampment by city bylaw staff, were deemed valuable to meet the basic needs of individuals living unsheltered and in encampments,” the report states.
Locations are to be reviewed annually and may be changed.
The cost of providing additional washrooms, sharps containers and waste bins is estimated at $60,000 annually.
“These costs will be supported with the use of emergency funding for homelessness, mental health, and addictions as approved and adopted by Guelph city council through the multi-year operating budget,” it adds.