Mapping for Increased Access in our Community

Public washrooms may not be at the forefront of one’s mind as they plan trips to downtown Guelph. But they are integral to the involvement of many of our community members. Access to a clean public washroom can make or break equitable participation in social life.

“Without access to washrooms, there are hidden costs,” explained Edith Wilson, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Guelph. “There are people who may have a medical condition, a disability, or who are gender nonconforming for example. They can’t participate in public life without access, so they are forced to stay home.”

Wilson was part of a collaborative team of University of Guelph researchers and the City of Guelph staff, as part of an 18-month Guelph Lab project. The team, which included Wilson; Adam Bonnycastle, a GIS support specialist; Sam Laban, Guelph Lab facilitator; and Stacey Laughlin, Downtown Revitalization Advisor for the City of Guelph, set out to identify gaps in public washroom service around the city.

The team mapped out available public washrooms in Guelph. Combined with literature reviews, best practices from other cities, and resident interviews, the team produced four main recommendations which were presented and unanimously adopted by the City of Guelph in 2024.

“Access to public washrooms is a human right.” Laughlin explained, “they are also vital to creating vibrant and inclusive public spaces.” Part of the city’s current plan is to increase the number of and visibility of public washrooms in the downtown area, and to make public washrooms more hygienic.

The Guelph Lab contributed to the development of solutions to this significant community policy challenge. Research specialists such as Wilson and Bonnycastle were vital to the success, as they both had “expertise and subject matter knowledge” which was vital to centering community voices and needs in a dignified manner, according to Laban.

To learn more about this Guelph Lab project and to view the reports, visit the Access to Public Washrooms in Guelph website.