Toronto reopens washrooms in City parks
TORONTO, ON., June 1, 2020 — Today, the City of Toronto announced that it will begin to open some of its approximately 200 parks washrooms this week across the city following the Province of Ontario’s amendments to an order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
This announcement comes after the City re-opened the washrooms at Trinity Bellwoods Park over the weekend following complaints that thousands of park-goers were ‘taking it to the streets’ to ‘do their business’ on neighbouring properties.
The City says the reopening will occur in two phases. The first phase will see roughly 50 washroom sites opening by June 6, followed by the remaining locations by mid-June. A list of locations and health guidelines for washrooms are available on the City Services webpage.
“This pandemic has affected our day to day life in so many ways.,” said Mayor John Tory. “Things we have taken for granted have been taken away and are now slowly returning. The reopening steps we are taking here are deliberate and meaningful, as washrooms are an important public facility,” said Mayor Tory.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has provided recommendations for cleaning of washroom which includes a deep clean, once a week, at all sites. TPH has also advised that water fountains and bottle filling stations at these sites may also open with daily cleaning and disinfection. The City is committed to meeting these recommendations and park washrooms (including attached drinking fountains and water bottle filling stations) will be cleaned a minimum of two times per day with one deep cleaning per week.
Residents using park washrooms should maintain a distance of two metres or six feet from others at all times while waiting in line, and should wash hands or use hand sanitizer. It is also recommended that cloth face coverings are worn, especially when physical distancing is difficult.
The City has already opened a number of City-operated facilities with showers, washrooms, and drinking water for all individuals in need of these services. These sites are listed on the toronto.ca/covid-19 web page in the Washroom and Sanitation Services section.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
