Your LRT washrooms might open, finally.
Alright, so you know how the washrooms at the LRT stations have been… *fermé*? For what feels like a lifetime, really. It’s been nearly two months since they closed, and let me tell you, when you're caught between a long commute from Barrhaven and a transfer at Tunney's Pasture, the lack of public facilities becomes a *federal issue*. Well, OC Transpo is now "looking at safely reopening" them. Yes, that’s the official word. "Looking at." Like it’s a file that just got assigned a new analyst after sitting in an inbox for weeks.
Now, don't get me wrong, I understand the need for safety protocols – *absolument*. But the fact that we’re two months in, and the word on a timeline is still "no timeline," it just feels so… Ottawa. It's like we’re waiting for a committee to strike a subcommittee to draft a proposal for a pilot project. You can almost see the internal briefing notes, can’t you? The real story is never on the Hill — it's always just off it, and in this case, it's very much *in* the station, or rather, *not in* the station.
### Why This Matters for Your Commute
This isn't just about convenience; it's about basic city planning and respect for residents. Think about it: * **Accessibility:** For families with young kids, seniors, or anyone with medical needs, a closed washroom isn't an inconvenience; it's a barrier. * **Downtown Core Impact:** People coming into the ByWard Market or attending events at Lansdowne Park rely on these transit hubs. * **Trust in Transit:** Every little hiccup like this erodes public confidence in the system, and OC Transpo already has a bit of a *dossier* with the public, no?
So, while "looking at safely reopening" is not quite the "grand opening" we're all hoping for, it at least signals that someone, somewhere in the bureaucracy, has acknowledged the issue. Maybe by the time the Rideau Canal Skateway opens next winter, we'll have fully operational washrooms. One can dream, *non*?
Simone Okafor-Bouchard, MiTL Sports Desk, Ottawa.
Catch Keith and the team dissecting all the bureaucratic beauty marks of our city every morning at mornings.live!