New joint-use schools in Saskatoon to have gender-neutral washrooms

The four new joint-use schools being built in Saskatoon will all have several gender-neutral washrooms.

They will be private rooms with a main door from the hall, similar to a powder room.

Charlene Scrimshaw, superintendent of education with Saskatoon Public Schools, told 650 CKOM Wednesday the washrooms will be open to anyone who might need it.

“The gender-neutral washrooms are wheelchair accessible and open to staff and students,” she said.

“It’s really just a place anyone who might like a bit of extra privacy can go.”

Construction on the new P3 schools is well underway in Evergreen, Hampton Village, Rosewood and Stonebridge.

Work is expected to be done in time for the start of school in 2017.

Scrimshaw said including the washrooms was a no brainer.

“Our division has worked really diligently and really hard to ensure that we’re providing spaces for all students,” she said.

According to the superintendent, most public schools in the city already have gender-neutral washrooms available to students. If a school doesn’t, the board is open to making something work.

As for signage on the door, Scrimshaw said the new facilities will simply be marked “washroom.”