Public defecation creating a stink in Courtenay, B.C. – BC | 24CA News
Public defecation has been an rising concern within the Vancouver Island metropolis of Courtenay, B.C.
The concern has led to a metropolis councillor proposing a movement to assist tackle the pungent scenario.
“We’ve seen an increase in folks not being able to use a public bathroom, people who are unhoused,” Wendy Morin mentioned, a Courtenay metropolis councillor.
“I see it as a public health issue and so that is why we’re advocating to Island Health, and in a broader sense the province.”
The movement that will probably be heard on the June 12 council assembly will probably be directing metropolis employees to request a gathering with Island Health.
The assembly will probably be discussing potential well being impacts of the dearth of enough and accessible washrooms.
City council can even be discussing capital and funding with the well being authority to help a 24-hour washroom facility within the downtown space.
“First and foremost, I see it as a problem for the unhoused. Many of them are seniors and many have disabilities,” Morin mentioned.
“For me (it’s) about the dignity and the access to proper sanitation and a way to maintain hygiene for the people impacted directly.”
The metropolis councillor mentioned the problem is impacting companies and residents as effectively.
“(It) spills over to our community, to residences and businesses who often encounter human waste when they come to work or open their door in the morning,” she mentioned.
“We have public washrooms open during the day. We don’t have any open during the night because we’ve had some issues with vandalism.”
Island Health mentioned it’s conscious of the approaching movement and has contacted Morin instantly.
“Island Health provides access to washrooms during operating hours for people accessing Island Health services,” a spokesperson mentioned in an e-mail.
“It is not within the mandate of health authorities to fund, provide or staff public washroom facilities.
“We look forward to continued conversations with all the appropriate partners if/when this motion is endorsed by Council and Island Health receives formal correspondence.”
Morin mentioned, in keeping with the newest rely, the town has 272 individuals who recognized themselves as unhoused.
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