Fewer incidents of public urination and defecation have been reported since the installation in July of the Portland Loo public toilet downtown, say city officials.
"To date, we have received nothing but positive feedback from local residents. City bylaw officers have also reported positive effects downtown," said city information officer Sarah Artis of the highly visible toilet structure on the corner of Lakelse Avenue and Kalum Street.
Although there is no way to track usage, Artis said the Loo seems to be well used and well received.
"The Loo is being used appropriately and responsibly," she added.
Open 24-7, seven days a week, the Portland Loo cost $150,000 and another $70,000 to connect to water, sewer and power.
Costs were covered by a senior government COVID response grant obtained to deal with public disorder and sanitation issues in the downtown core.
The Portland Loo takes its name from the city in Oregon where the design was originated and perfected.
They are known not only for their ease of use but also ability to stand up to wear and tear.
City officials had hoped to install the Loo shortly after its purchase in 2021 but several factors, including not having people to do the work and arranging for the hook up to sewer, water and power, meant it languished in storage for several years.
The location was chosen from a list of several potential spots because it is very visible, something that would deter bad behaviour and social disorder.
The corner of Greig and Kalum at the former Co-op site was also considered but then also discarded because of the lack of pedestrian traffic in the area and the potential for social and other disorder because it was not a highly visible spot.
