Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shouldn’t be left looking for the “biffy” should he attend next year’s tall ship festival, featuring Japan’s Kaiwo Maru, says Coun. Bill McNulty.
That’s why it is important to install accessible washrooms in the historic Seine Net Loft at Britannia Heritage Shipyard, prior to Trudeaus’ invitation date.
Seven of McNulty’s city council colleagues agreed with the new bathrooms, with one lone dissenter.
Coun. Harold Steves took exception to the $400,000 plan, stating that the existing washrooms at the Murakami building would suffice, as the loft is intended to be a walk-through museum and not a banquet hall, as it is often presently utilized as.
“This is not being planned properly,” said Steves of the washrooms that will be tucked into the corner of the building.
He also took exception to the fact the money is coming out of a $4.4 million arts and heritage reserve fund.
Senior parks manager Mike Redpath contended demand for washrooms exceeded present service levels.
Earlier in the month, city council approved one-time funding of $341,000 to increase hours of operation and staff for Britannia and the Steveston Interurban Tram in 2017, as part of the city’s multi-million dollar Canada 150 celebrations.
