A last-minute motion at Wednesday’s Saskatoon City Council meeting will see the city fund the Pleasant Hill outdoor washroom facility for an additional summer season.

Councilor Scott Ford suggested that the remaining $230,000 left over from last year’s washroom pilot project be used to fund the facility, located at 315 Avenue M South.

Director of Planning and Development Leslie Anderson says that money would be able to cover the costs of the washrooms for the summer, which she priced out at $18,000 per month. However, the 24/7 navigation services that were available last year would not be included, as they cost roughly $170,000 per month.

“Last year, that was a very important part of the pilot project that occurred, having those navigation services at that site to assist people, to maintain the facilities, which had zero damage last year.”

Without navigation services, the facility would be more vulnerable to vandalism and damage. Administration says it will work to secure a partner that would provide these services at a reduced cost, or secure additional funding. Mayor Cynthia Block added that work is being done to establish a drop-in centre, which would exist in addition to the washroom facility, its main users often being unhoused. That location will be announced within the coming weeks.