Burnaby council is calling on TransLink to provide public toilets at its SkyTrain stations when funding allows it.
Last November, the city sent a letter to TransLink requesting the transportation authority provide public toilets at its SkyTrain stations - beyond the urgent access to staff facilities currently provided.
In a recent letter to the city, TransLink's board of directors chair Nancy Olewiler said there is no funding to pay for toilet facilities.
"I am aware of the need for public washrooms, particularly for elderly and disabled members of the public," Olewiler states in her written response to council. "However, (B.C. Rapid Transit Co.) has to consider the operational and financial implications of providing public washrooms or allowing the public access to staff washrooms."
Olewiler noted that there would also need to be funding for maintenance, and TransLink would have to also guarantee the safety and security of transit users and staff.
"We do not have that funding at present," she states.
Olewiler notes that any transit users who have an urgent need to use a facility are allowed to ask staff for access.
"The degree of urgency is to be determined by the staff member present," she states. "The staff member should escort the individual to the facilities and wait outside for them before escorting them out of the staff area."
At its Monday meeting, council requested further information from TransLink about the issue, and increased awareness about the availability of staff washrooms for those in dire need.
"Furthermore, that TransLink make provisions for public washrooms when funding allows, and that future options for public washrooms be maintained in any new or modified SkyTrain stations wherever possible," the traffic safety committee report to council states.
Coun. Sav Dhaliwal said TransLink should have this issue on its radar in the future, and that sooner or later, toilets should be made available.
Mayor Derek Corrigan first sent a letter to TransLink's board of directors on Nov. 30 asking for the implementation for public toilets, citing it as a need especially for those with disabilities, and the aging population.
"Recognizing this, Burnaby provides public washrooms at all civic facilities, as well as at our larger municipal parks," Corrigan states in the letter. "Council therefore feels that it is the responsibility of TransLink to provide these public facilities at SkyTrain stations."
The TransLink Access Transit Users' Advisory Committee sent a resolution requesting that municipalities adopt programs to increase the number of public washrooms around transit hubs and major gathering places.
