Vandalism shuts down Vernon public loos

VERNON – Vernon's downtown public washroom has been closed following a recent spate of vandalism.

The washroom located at the 3000 Block of 31 Avenue is closed and will reopen for public use May 15, 2019.

Building Services manager Mike Beauregard said the washroom is often a target for vandals.

"It's really, really bad," Beauregard said of the current damage.

Both the male and female washrooms were extensively graffitied, the doors were ripped off and toilets smashed. Beauregard estimated the cost of the clean-up to be around $5,000. The washrooms are normally open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The building services manager said when the washrooms were opened later than 6 p.m., more vandalism occurred. The washrooms are also cleaned every two hours, which allows City staff to known when situations arise.

The only other public washroom downtown is located in Polson Park, although public washrooms are available at City Hall and the Community Services Building.

The Vernon of City is currently exploring the idea of installing two Portland loos, at the cost of $275,000.

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