All photos: District of Chetwynd
Last June, Northern Development approved a $30,000 Community Places grant to the District of Chetwynd to install a precast restroom to complement a new water spray park and to service all outdoor events and park activities in the area. This project complements Chetwynd’s greenspaces initiative by providing services to residents and visitors outside regular hours.
“Mayor and Council support the creation of amenities that families can use free of charge, and which also support healthy outdoor activities,” said District of Chetwynd Mayor Courtoreille. “We are very thankful to Northern Development Initiative Trust for the grant which will allow the public to use a safe and hygienic washroom facility next to the Water Play Park, with water fountains so that people can hydrate free of charge any time of the day.”
The new facility features two flush toilets, grab bars and handwashing sinks inside and two water fountains outside. The building includes an electric water heater for comfortable handwashing and a baby changing station.
The construction of a new restroom responds to the Province of BC’s request that communities have additional restrooms and handwashing stations that are accessible to the public. This need became apparent as the COVID-19 pandemic led to many public washrooms being closed.
On July 1, the community celebrated the grand opening of the Chetwynd Water Play Park after the Canada Day parade.
The installation of new public washrooms closely aligns with intent of the Community Places grant program: to support the creation, restoration or enhancement of community spaces that will improve amenities and enhance the overall quality of life. A maximum of $30,000 is available to a maximum of 70 per cent of the eligible project budget.
