Surrey mayoral candidate promises public washrooms at every transit hub

Imagine Surrey mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk says his party would build public washrooms at every transit hub and neighbourhood centre in Surrey if elected. A statement from his campaign says the facilities would be developed in partnership with TransLink, although Starchuk says the City itself would build them under an Imagine Surrey council.

Starchuk, a former MLA, said TransLink’s 10-year plan funds six public washrooms across Metro Vancouver. The first opened at Metrotown SkyTrain Station last September, with North Vancouver’s Phibbs Exchange next. TransLink has also said it is doing early planning work on potentially adding one at Scott Road Station. Most new Fraser Highway stations are being designed with washrooms behind fare gates that can only be opened by an attendant.

“At that pace, Surrey waits,” Starchuk’s statement said, adding that riders and drivers are left without adequate facilities. He said seniors and drivers should not have to plan their days around whether a bus loop has a washroom.

Imagine Surrey council candidate Yousef Aldabainah-Barakat said washrooms at transit hubs and neighbourhood centres are overdue for families. A lack of public washrooms has also been a frequent complaint in Vancouver.