NEWS RELEASE
A new custom designed public urinal has been installed at the corner of Government Street and Pandora Avenue.
“I am pleased that this project was delivered on time, and will be ready for the return of college and university students this fall,” noted Mayor Dean Fortin. “The City is constantly looking at new ways to improve our downtown experience, and this is just one more way.”
The urinal incorporates a number of “green” features, including utilizing low flow technology, and low voltage interior LED lighting. The lights in the steel frame are controlled by a photo cell and only come on after dark.
The urinal was designed to take a variety of needs into consideration. The height was set in between the standard heights for an adult and children’s urinal, which is expected to accommodate all adults and most children. This new urinal will also provide increased washroom access 24 hours a day, meeting a variety of needs including daytime washroom options for downtown visitors.
The City of Victoria has taken a number of measures to minimize impact to neighbouring businesses and residents. The washroom design adds visual interest to the streetscape and is resistant to vandalism and undesirable use. The urinal will be monitored closely and cleaned four times daily. City staff, with on-going input from neighbouring property owners, will monitor the safety, cleanliness and effectiveness of the urinals. The urinal has been installed on a six to 12 month pilot project. If, after six months, the project is a success the City may begin the planning process to install additional units.
Over the past year, portable urinals have been found effective in reducing the level of public urination downtown. However, a permanent urinal is expected to be more cost effective over the long term and provides washroom access 24 hours per day compared to the 12 hours per week offered by the portable option.
