(CHAT News file photo)

By Brendan Miller

Transit terminal washroom open 24/7 starting in August

Jul 5, 2023 | 2:35 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – City council approved to increase security at the downtown transit terminal as they look to add more public washroom services.

With an increase of $148,000 to the community development operating budget over the next two years the city will provide additional security personnel.

The public will be able to access the transit terminal washroom 24 hours a day starting August 1. Previously the only downtown public washroom was only open between 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Council called the approval the first step in adding more public facilities to the core.

Council also voted to explore more options regarding the construction of a public washroom in Towne Square. $500,000 that was approved for the new Towne Square washroom in the 2022 budget will now be deferred.

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Coun. Ramona Robins says the city will look at the impact the additional security has downtown.

“We are hoping that will have positive influences on the businesses and visitors that are coming downtown and the vulnerable population who everyone deserves the right to use the washroom somewhere and it has an impact on the businesses when they don’t have a place.”

Council says they will revisit the issue in six months. During that time the Public Services Committee will continue looking into a permanent solution.