Nowhere to Go: An Environmental Scan of Outdoor Public Washroom Initiatives in North America

Abstract

COVID-19-related closures of retail and restaurant washroom facilities has led to an increased awareness of the pressing need for free accessible public washrooms, especially for vulnerable and houseless populations. This report provides results of an environmental scan of accessible outdoor public washroom initiatives in North America for the Beasley Neighbourhood Association. It identifies 11 initiatives including their design features, construction and operational costs, cleaning/maintenance considerations, and outcomes. The report also provides recommendations for the Beasley Neighbourhood Association to aid their advocacy for the installation of public washrooms in Hamilton.