Temporary sanitary block opens at Robert-Guertin Centre

Taylor Clark

A temporary sanitary block for those experiencing homelessness has been up and running at the Guertin site since August 20.

“This is a request from citizens experiencing homelessness but also from local groups,” said Hull-Wright district councillor and commissioner for the fight against homelessness Steve Moran told reporters during a press briefing the following day. “There’s a basic need that needs to be addressed.”

Back in July, the Comité exécutif decided a temporary sanitary block was quickly needed as the Robert-Guertin Centre was set to be demolished.

“I think there are certainly some adjustments to be made in the short term, but generally, it's going well … It's the first full day of operation today, we'll see a little bit more at the corner of the week,” said Moran.

Only equipped with showers and toilets, Moran said a “more robust” sanitary block was expected to replace the temporary operation by the end of the year. A permanent sanitary block was not the only project on the way to assist homeless individuals.

“There's a huge number of projects coming up to better meet the needs of the population on the site.”

Photo caption: Gatineau adds a temporary sanitary block to the Guertin site but plans to include a more permanent fixture at the end of the year.

Photo credit: Steve Moran Facebook Page