Amoowigamig public washroom: Support from Councillor Sherri Rollins

We have a strong supporter on Winnipeg City Council, Sherri Rollins, who worked for the establishment of the downtown public washroom in the first place. I spoke with her earlier this week, and she is strongly in favour of opening Amoowigamig 24/7. Here is a letter from her to everyone who has signed this petition (pictured, and copied below).

Statement to Change.org Signatories RE: Amoowigamig: The Public Washroom 715 Main Street

I am so grateful for the advocacy you have demonstrated for our beloved Amoowigamig: the public washroom at the foot of the shelter system and beside Thunderbird House. I am particularly grateful for Professor Justin Lewis's leadership and all the signatories' efforts to date. This is a beautiful and needed tribute from the community.

As you know, the facility is more than a public washroom but also a space for community connections, harm reduction and profound caring. Given this, the partnership of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre has been essential.

In a city that has a national museum of Human Rights, Winnipeg
must hold space for the advancement of human rights. So I, along with others, will continue to advocate in favour of a 24/7 funding model because dignity, public health, gender issues, and accessible disposal of human waste are all an expression of a commitment to both basic sanitation and the right to an adequate standard of living.

Please continue to advocate for public washrooms in line with public service reports and the Places to Go Strategy. I know there are so many positive stories of Amoowigamig highlighting the need for the hours to be extended, not decreased. If you would like to share a story with me, please write me at srollins@winnipeg.ca or call 204 986-5878.

Sincerely,

Sherri Rollins