City confirms temporary operational funding for three DTES washrooms and public realm cleaning
Following the conclusion of one-time senior government grant funding, the City confirms it has found funding to continue washroom operations at Oppenheimer Park and Pigeon Park. Additionally, the Overdose Prevention Society (OPS) has secured community partner funding to continue services at 144 E Hastings.
The City has also identified funding for the continuation of Project Hope, a peer-led public realm street cleaning program in the DTES, until the end of 2024.
Public washrooms
In the coming weeks, the one-time government grant funding allocated to several temporary washroom programs in the DTES, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic and the E Hastings encampment, will be fully spent. Originally supported by federal and provincial grants, ongoing funding from senior government sources was not secured to sustain these programs.
These washroom programs include the Oppenheimer Park field house washroom attendants, the Pigeon Park Automated Public Toilet (APT) washroom attendants, the 144 East Hastings washroom, and the Astoria Hotel washroom trailer at 369 Hawks.
Following a thorough review, City staff have identified internal budgetary savings that will allow for the continuation of the washroom attendant programs at both Oppenheimer Park Field House and Pigeon Park APT for the near future. These facilities, owned by the City, would otherwise face closure without the attendants present to ensure maintenance and security.
Additionally, OPS has successfully secured a community partner to support the continuation of the washrooms at 144 E Hastings, potentially to be augmented by additional one-time support from the Province.
Funding could not be identified to maintain washroom operations at the Astoria Hotel washroom trailer and its related services. The overdose prevention services funded through Vancouver Coastal Health and delivered through RainCity will continue. Staff will work with operators and RainCity on a potential transfer of washroom trailer services and costs if they are able to secure external funding.
There are numerous public washrooms located downtown (see list of locations below). In addition, the Provincially-funded DTES Food and Wellness Hub and Evelyne Saller Centre both provide washrooms, showers, laundry and other services. The provincially funded 390 Main St integrated service location and other social service drop-ins also play crucial roles in meeting the needs of DTES residents.
| DTES and Strathcona Public Washroom List | Address |
|---|---|
| Trillium Park | 600 National Ave. |
| Main at Hastings | SW corner of intersection |
| Hastings at Carrall - Pigeon Park | NW corner of intersection |
| Main at Terminal | NE corner of intersection |
| CRAB Park at Portside | 101 E Waterfront R |
| Victory Square | By Cenotaph |
| Andy Livingstone Park | 89 Expo Boulevard |
| Oppenheimer Park | 400 Powell Street |
| Strathcona Park | 857 Malkin Avenue |
| MacLean Park | 710 Keefer Street |
| Carnegie Community Centre | 401 Main Street |
| DTES Food & Wellness Hub | 320 Alexander Street |
| Vancouver Public Library, nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch | 730 E Hastings Street |
| Evelyne Saller Centre | 404 Alexander Street |
City staff are actively exploring other dignified and durable washroom models that are better designed to meet the safety and accessibility needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and can be operated more affordably.
Public realm street cleaning
The City has also identified operational funding to allow the continuation of Project Hope in the DTES through the end of the year.
Project Hope was initiated in March 2023 to improve cleanliness in the DTES while providing income generation for people facing barriers to traditional employment. Run by Mission Possible, this community program was initially made possible until June 2024 through Provincial grant funding.
Staff are exploring long-term funding options to continue these valuable services, including micro-cleaning, pressure washing and community outreach, which supplement the City’s daily operations and make a positive impact in community.
Ongoing partnerships
The City appreciates the work of non-profit operators and their staff, who have operated these services in such a welcoming and responsive manner over recent years.
The City also acknowledges UBCM, Health Canada, and Infrastructure Canada for their grant programs that enabled the initiation of these services over recent years and the Province through Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Housing whose funding continue to enable health, social, and hygiene services in the DTES. Notably, recent renewed provincial funding of over $4M/year through BC Housing supports operations at the 390 Main St integrated services and storage facility and the 320 Alexander DTES Food and Wellness Hub. These facilities provide essential social and hygiene services, including washroom access and without this renewed financial support from BC Housing, these services could not operate.
The City remains committed to supporting senior government to expand hygiene, health, and social services for individuals experiencing homelessness.