City says washroom trailer pilot was ‘a very positive experience’

Saskatoon’s washroom trailer pilot project is being called “a very positive experience” by the director of the city’s emergency management organization.

The trailer, which was staffed at all times by the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s Sawēyihtotān Program, opened on August 27 at the Central Urban Métis Federation office on Avenue M South. Since then, the city said it has been accessed more than 14,305 times “by people of all ages.”

Aside from its obvious functions, the trailer also functioned as a hub, allowing outreach groups to meet with people in need of shelter and connect them to services and resources. Snacks, coffee and bottled water were also provided at the site.

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The trailer will close for the season on Thursday, the city noted.

“What this project has done is provide a safe place for people to come have a sense of belonging while being treated with dignity and respect. It also acted as an informal navigation centre for anyone who looking for help, shelter and stability,” Pamela Goulden McLeod, director of the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization, said in a statement.

The city noted that the trailer was “fully operational” for the entire duration of the pilot, with no internal damage and only minor plumbing repairs needed, which were due to a high number of users.

While $700,000 was allocated towards the pilot from the city’s capital expenditure reserve, the city noted that it has spent approximately $506,300 on the project. That total includes the purchase of the trailer (for “just under $52,000”) along with modifications, staffing, supplies and maintenance. That means the cost of the pilot project averaged out to just over $35 per visit.

“The feedback we’ve received from community partners and users has been overwhelmingly positive. The facility and partnership model has proven to be a much-needed resource, and the trailer has been a great success story for our community,” Goulden McLeod added.

“We extend our thanks to CUMFI for hosting the washroom trailer, to Sawēyihtotān for staffing the trailer location, to the Saskatoon Friendship Inn for providing daily sandwiches and for all of the residents, businesses and partners who provided their support.”