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A 24-hour toilet trailer installed in downtown Saskatoon as a pilot project this summer has been used more than 14,000 times in just two months, according to the city.

The trailer, located on the site of the Central Urban Métis Federation (CUMFI) office, at 315 Avenue M South, will be closed for the season on Thursday, the City of Saskatoon said in a press release Wednesday.

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It opened on August 27 and was staffed at all times by the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Sawēyihtotān program.

“People using these restrooms could use the facilities to wash, rinse their clothes, have a snack with a bottle of water or coffee,” the statement said.

“Sawēyihtotān Outreach also provided additional assistance in accessing emergency shelter and provided transportation and advocacy to connect individuals with other needed resources. »

No intentional damage was done to the restroom at any time, and it remained fully operational with only minor plumbing repairs needed due to the large number of users, the release said.

“This pilot project has been a very positive experience for the City, Sawēyihtotān, CUMFI and those who use the facility,” says Pamela Goulden McLeod, Director of the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization.

“This project helped provide a safe place where people can have a sense of belonging while being treated with dignity and respect. It also served as an informal navigation center for anyone seeking help, shelter, and stability.

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Feedback from users and community partners “has been overwhelmingly positive,” she added. “The installation and partnership model has proven to be an indispensable resource, and the caravan has been a great success for our community.

“We thank CUMFI for hosting the toilet trailer, Sawēyihtotān for staffing the trailer location, the Saskatoon Friendship Inn for providing daily sandwiches, and all the residents, businesses and partners who provided support.

The city allocated $700,000 to the project from a capital reserve. Approximately $506,300 was spent, including the purchase and modifications of the trailer, personnel, supplies and maintenance.

The used trailer itself cost just under $52,000, the city said.

The pilot project was born after residents and businesses of Riversdale and Pleasant Hill expressed growing concern to the city council and board of police commissioners about deteriorating conditions, including reports of people defecating and urinating in public.

The city council approved the project in May after learning that fire personnel encounter most homeless encampments in the two central neighborhoods and that there were effectively no publicly accessible restrooms in the area after 6 p.m.

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