A committee that helped get a portable washroom setup in downtown Atikokan is now hoping to see a permanent facility.
A porta-john was put in place in August.
The committee says it was well received, and no problems or vandalism were reported.
Spokesperson Lanny Cross says it addressed a need.
“Most businesses have posted signs that they do not have washrooms for public use, and we’re quite appreciative of our solution,” says Cross.
“We hope council can embrace the permanent washroom proposal and can add this into the 2025 budget and their strategic plan.”
Cross says they have investigated the cost and identified a company in Thunder Bay that can build an all-concrete structure for about $100,000.
He says their facility is similar to one seen at Ministry of Transportation rest stops.
The committee would like to see the facility set up on a vacant parcel of land in the 100 block of Main Street.
Mayor Rob Ferguson says he is still kind of on the fence about having just a washroom.
“I see the need, and I think there is a need. But my vision would be to make that like a green space, a park with a washroom. Not just a washroom sitting there, but an actual place where maybe there’s picnic tables.”
No decision has been made.
