Inside the new loo.
(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)
October 25, 2019 - 11:23 AM
Vernon's new state-of-the-art public washroom is having some teething problems.
City of Vernon spokesperson Christy Poirier said the washroom was closed late in the afternoon yesterday, Oct. 24, for repairs, and crews are currently on-site fixing the problem.
Poirier said there was a "mechanical issue with the flush valve" which was the first major fix the washroom had needed since it opened earlier this month. Currently, it is not known how long it will take to fix the washroom.
The new $110,000 washroom, which came in $50,000 under the $160,000 budget, opened in downtown Vernon at 30 Avenue and 35 Street at the beginning of October.
The washroom doesn't contain a sink or mirror and is constructed from stainless steel coated with graffiti-resistant finish, and has been designed specifically to avoid vandalism.
The toilet's 8 p.m. closing time did cause some controversy and criticism from city councillors who questioned City staff as to why the washroom wasn't open 24/7 during council's Oct. 13 meeting.
Councillors said the aim of keeping the washroom open 24/7 was to stop people defecating on doorsteps and alleyways in downtown Vernon. The hours have since been extended and the washroom is now open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
When iNFOnews.ca went to check out the new toilet a few days after it opened much to our horror it didn't flush.
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