Ottawa city councillor Ariel Troster is raising the alarm about a growing public health concern in the downtown core — and she wants the city to do something about it.
The Somerset ward representative says public urination and defecation has become an increasingly serious issue in the heart of the city, and she's pushing for a formal public washroom plan to address it. It's the kind of quality-of-life problem that might make people uncomfortable to talk about, but Troster says ignoring it isn't working.
A City Without Enough Options
For anyone who's spent time downtown — whether you're a resident, a worker grabbing lunch, or just passing through — the lack of accessible public washrooms is something you've probably noticed. Ottawa's downtown has long struggled with insufficient public toilet infrastructure, leaving vulnerable populations, tourists, and everyday pedestrians without options.
The issue disproportionately affects people experiencing homelessness, who often have no access to private facilities and rely on public spaces out of necessity. But it's also a challenge for seniors, people with disabilities, families with young children, and anyone caught downtown for extended periods.
Troster's push comes as the city sees more activity return to the core following years of pandemic-era disruption. More foot traffic, more events, and more people spending time outdoors has made the gap in washroom access more visible than ever.
What a Downtown Washroom Plan Could Look Like
While the specifics of any formal plan are still being worked out, advocates and urban planners have long pointed to cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and even Vancouver and Toronto as models worth emulating. Strategies typically involve a mix of permanent standalone washroom kiosks, partnerships with businesses to open up facilities to the public, and extended hours at existing city-operated facilities like community centres and libraries.
Downtown Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) have also been part of the conversation in other cities, with some coordinating "washroom passport" programs where member businesses agree to allow public access in exchange for recognition and small subsidies.
In Ottawa's case, any plan would need to account for the specific geography of the downtown core — from the Byward Market to Centretown and along the major transit corridors — as well as the needs of the city's most vulnerable residents.
Why This Matters for Ottawa
Public washroom access might not be the flashiest municipal issue, but it has real consequences for how safe, welcoming, and liveable a city feels. When people don't have somewhere to go, they go anyway — and the result is a less pleasant, less dignified environment for everyone.
Troster's advocacy puts a spotlight on an issue that often gets shuffled to the bottom of council's priority list despite its tangible day-to-day impact. Getting a formal plan on the table would be a meaningful step toward a cleaner, more inclusive downtown Ottawa.
The councillor's push is expected to be brought forward through city committee processes in the coming months. Residents and downtown stakeholders will likely have opportunities to weigh in as the conversation develops.
Source: CBC Ottawa
