Over the last two months, more than 14,000 people used the washroom trailer located on Saskatoon’s Avenue M South, but the pilot project has now come to an end.

Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Saskatoon’s Director of Emergency Management, says the trailer was established in late August at the site of the Central Urban Métis Federation. It was staffed 24/7, providing numerous services to Saskatoon’s homeless population and the general public.

On top of providing clean washrooms, the facility served as a place to wash clothing, get a bite to eat, access outreach assistance, transportation to emergency resources, and the opportunity to smudge. She adds that some days up to 300 people used the facility, particularly overnight.

Goulden-McLeod admits that although vandalism was expected, no intentional damage was done to the building over the entire duration of the pilot.

The pilot was so successful that she confirmed work is now underway on planning a permanent ‘one-stop-shop’ for people in need.

“Our goal is to have a long-term navigation location where people could come and they could wash their clothes, they could use the washroom, maybe a shower. They could stay warm or stay cool depending on the season.”

The pilot project cost the city about $506,300, and the city is now trying to secure funding for a permanent location.