The City of Gatineau is planning to 'experiment' with new gender-neutral changing rooms and bathrooms at two Quebec pools — possibly as soon as this summer.
The city says the plan aims to help reduce discrimination against gender-nonconforming Quebecers and "increase the participation of people of all gender identities in municipal activities."
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The project will be tabled at a future Gatineau city council meeting for adoption.
In a news release, the City of Gatineau stated that universal washrooms and change rooms offer several benefits:
They make it easier to accommodate people with special needs, regardless of age or gender
They facilitate supervision during group outings (such as school groups and day camps)
They can reduce set-up and operating costs due to there only being one locker room or washroom for everyone
They allow for less time spent in the locker room and less loitering
The Complexe sportif Desjardins in Rimouski and the Centre aquatique Bora parc in Valcartier both offer gender-neutral changing rooms.
Montreal's only gender-neutral bathroom is currently at Piscine Lévesque in the Plateau-Mont-Royal.
The city's statement says it will assess the plan after one year and will consult feedback from Quebecers who use the new facilities to determine whether the project should continue.