PoCo pushes for menstrual products in B.C. bathrooms
It’s time for B.C. Building Codes to step into the bathroom, according to Coun. Nancy McCurrach.
Following a motion introduced by McCurrach Tuesday, Port Coquitlam council voted unanimously to advocate for the availability of menstrual supplies in B.C. washrooms.
If supported by the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the collection of local governments would then advocate to the province to alter building codes to: “include provisions for menstrual supplies.”
Local news that matters to you
No one covers the Tri-Cities like we do. But we need your help to keep our community journalism sustainable.
Despite menstruation being a normal bodily function that requires immediate attention, “no new updates” were made to the 2024 B.C. building codes regarding menstrual supplies or sanitary disposal bins for those who menstruate, McCurrach noted Tuesday.
The policy is meant to support inclusion, reduce stigma and promote gender equality for all people, according to McCurrach.
Publicly accessible washrooms in Canada are governed by federal and provincial building codes. Those codes require bathrooms to provide free toilet paper, soap, hand-drying facilities in all restrooms, urinals in the men’s restrooms.
Council was slated to vote on the motion at a future meeting, but Mayor Brad West proposed voting on it immediately.
McCurrach’s motion carried without discussion.
Author
