EXSHAW – Those looking for relief along the trails of the MD may soon have an option with the MD of Bighorn moving forward with a public washroom trial program through the placement of porta-potties.
Placing the portable washrooms will align with the MD’s council strategic plan, which includes managing, investing and planning for sustainable municipal infrastructure. The proposal was brought to the governance and priorities committee on Jan. 27 and now moves on to the next council meeting.
“The issue of needing some type of washroom facility in the Exshaw area has been something that residents of Exshaw have been bringing to council for a number of years now,” Reeve Lisa Rosvold said. “Council was able to get the funding in our budget this year to do a trial program.”
The 2023 budget will allow for two washroom locations – both in Exshaw – with one between the MD operations shop and fire hall, and the other across the street from the Legion and community garden.
“We have two locations that council will vote on potentially approving,” Rosvold said. “This will set the stage for whether or not the MD might want to proceed with permanent washroom facilities.”
The washrooms will be serviced by municipal staff, will not be locked and will be open during the summer months of May 1 to Sept. 30. The maintenance and cleaning levels will be assessed as part of a trial program.
“If it goes well, there might be a permanent washroom,” Rosvold said. “Might not be in both locations but we are looking to get a gauge from the operator who will maintain the porta potties on how they could identify their usage to us. That will help us be better informed in the future.”
