City Prepares for Public Washroom Installation

The City began capital construction on the next phase of downtown revitalization around Chipman Street and First Street South in 2019. The roundabout and street were officially opened in 2019 however the final step which included the installation of a new public washroom facility was delayed and is now ready for completion.

In April 2022, an on-site community engagement and feast was held on the property with a ceremony which included prayers, smudging and offerings to the land. In addition, a ceremonial cloth was presented to the City of Kenora which represented the meaning and intent of the event. In October 2022, a second feast and engagement session on site was held with ceremony and smudge.

The washroom was commissioned in 2022 and during the manufacturing process, the City issued a call for mural artists to wrap the new self-cleaning outdoor washroom building. Through this process, the City engaged Cash Akoza to develop the four-sided mural panels which were reflective of the ceremony and guidance provided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

The new outdoor washroom is aesthetically appealing and is a much-needed addition to the downtown core. The public will see works taking place in the location on the corner of Chipman and First Street over the next week with an official grand opening ceremony taking place on Tuesday, December 19 at 12:00 noon.