Huntsville Council approves $31,500 for River Mill Park washroom repairs

The unit's cost was donated by a member of the public

Huntsville Council approves $31,500 for River Mill Park washroom repairs, in the May 28, 2025, General Committee meeting.

According to the agenda, $16,164 will be taken from the River Mill Park Washroom Reserve, which will be terminated once funds are used, and $15,336 from the Facility Reserve.

Director of Community Services, Greg Piling, advised that the funds are needed for washroom repair costs.

Councillor, Cory Clarke, said he didn’t appreciate that the work has already been completed without Council approval for the cost first.

He also expressed that this issue is why he initially had concerns about the washroom project “because this type of bathroom has a higher rate of failure.” This was his argument when Council initially discussed the project.

In the January 2024 Council meeting, Clarke warned fellow members about the reliability of self-cleaning washrooms based on researching their effectiveness. He said, “I came to realize a lot of self-cleaning bathrooms often break down. They’re not vandal proof, and they don’t stand the test of time.”

He added that many municipalities are removing them because of ongoing issues including requiring outside maintenance and being shut down from the public.

In July 2024 the Town installed the new self-cleaning bathrooms at a cost of $650,000 ($300,000 of which was a donation from a resident), which were subject to vandalism shortly afterward.

In August 2024 staff recommended installing video surveillance cameras at the park to help curb the vandalism.

Today staff advised that the project had CAO approval and required a “quick turnaround” and they had a contractor available to do the work immediately, however, will consider communicating with Council about costs beforehand moving forward.

Councillor, Bob Stone, indicated that part of the damage was from vandals, and the other part due to the push button method for opening the door, causing “reefing on the door” from people while waiting for it to open. He suggested a regular door handle as a better option.

Staff advised that there is a doorknob now. They indicated vandalism as a primary issue for the repairs needed. They said, “There was severe damage to the frames.”

Councillor, Monty Clouthier, suggested they consider using an additional metal door for protection to prevent vandalism from people trying to get into it when locked.

He added, “It’s just extra security to protect our investment so we won’t be back here next year.”

Staff advised that the existing doors are “heavy commercial doors,” adding “there’s nothing that would be completely vandal proof.”

Councillor, Helena Renwick, said she “doesn’t like the look” of the metal doors Clouthier suggested. She added, “I’m not in favour of putting cages on washroom doors,” and indicated they now have the new cameras as a deterrent for vandalism.

She also suggested that staff place a sign to let the public know that the door is a pull versus turn method for clarity for people trying to open it.

Staff advised that plans for putting signage on the doors are already in the works.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, suggested to hold off on considering additional metal doors. She said, “We just agreed to cameras,” and to give this a chance first.