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Fernie Inclusive Washrooms

Introducing the Fernie Inclusive Washroom Project

Fernie Pride Society is excited to announce a new initiative aimed at promoting gender inclusivity and broader accessibility in public spaces.  We are committed to ensuring that our community is inclusive and accessible to everyone. As part of this commitment, we are conducting a survey to gather information about the current state of bathroom accessibility in local businesses and public spaces throughout Fernie.

We have many inclusive washrooms already and many may not even realize it!

What are Inclusive and Universal Washrooms?

Most often, inclusive washrooms are a self-contained single-user washroom like in a home, open to anyone. The sign on the door might say toilet, washroom, restroom, or have male/female/wheelchair. 

Universal or accessible washrooms are designed as accessible to people with disabilities, with features such as grab bars, wheelchair-accessible stalls, and low sinks. Often, universal washrooms are inclusive washrooms.

Some inclusive washroom layouts have fully closing toilet rooms and shared sink facilities. These layouts are not necessarily also accessible. 

Unlike traditional gender-segregated washrooms, which are typically labelled as either “men” or “women,” an inclusive washroom is open to anyone. This means that individuals who identify as male, female, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, or any other gender identity can use the facility without fear of discrimination or discomfort.

A typical inclusive washroom, found at many restaurants, cafes, gas stations and retail businesses.

Image credit KUTV.

A typical gender-neutral style washroom with fully enclosed toilets and shared sink facilities.

What Difference can Washroom Access Make?

Inclusive washrooms are crucial for the health and well-being of transgender individuals. Many transgender people experience high levels of anxiety and stress when using public washrooms due to fear of harassment, discrimination, or even violence. This can lead to a range of health issues, including dehydration, urinary tract infections, and kidney problems, as transgender individuals may avoid using public washrooms altogether.

Furthermore, the lack of access to safe and inclusive washrooms can also impact the mental health of transgender individuals. The constant fear and stress of using public washrooms can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Traveling poses a particular challenge, as an individual’s destination may be a safe-space, but the journey to get there can hold many unknowns.

By providing inclusive washrooms, we can help alleviate these health issues and create a safer and more comfortable environment for transgender individuals. This not only benefits the queer community but also demonstrates our commitment to creating a more equitable and compassionate society.

Gender neutral washrooms can also speed up lines for all users, as there is no waiting in line for a specific washroom while another remains unused.

The Fernie Inclusive Washrooms Project

Phase I – Capture Current Facilities

With the help of the public, business owners, the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Fernie, we are looking to identify all of the existing gender neutral washrooms in Fernie.

This information will be compiled into an online resource (below), submitted to RefugeRestrooms.org, and turned into a brochure. Submission deadline for the first physical brochure is July 15th, 2024. Washrooms submitted after then will still be included online, and in future versions of the brochure.

If your business or organization would like to stock the Fernie Inclusive Washrooms Guide brochure, please request via email info@ferniepride.ca. 

Phase II – Signage Update Mini-Grants

Fernie Pride Society recognizes that washroom signage is a part of the branding and vibe of an establishment, particularly in restaurants and cafes. Depending on demand, we will work to secure funding which can be used by businesses to reduce the cost of updating signage on their single-user washrooms.

We are also working to better understand legislation as it applies to signage, so we can help provide guidance for businesses looking to update their signage while remaining in compliance with BC Building Code requirements.

Phase III – Columbia Basin Washroom Network

Utilizing our lessons learned and experience with Phases I and II, we will partner with the Columbia Basin 2SLGBTQ+ Network members who have the capacity, to create similar resources in their communities, thereby creating a regional network of gender-neutral washrooms.

Fernie Inclusive Washrooms List

Help us create a listing of all of the inclusive washrooms in town by filling in the survey form.

Submission deadline for the first physical brochure is July 15th, 2024.

Public Facilities

Station Square 6th St & 1st Ave

The Knox on 2nd  201 2nd Ave

Fernie Arts Station  601 1st Ave

Cafés

Freshies Fernie Cafe 601-A 2nd Ave

Starbucks 1641 7th Ave

Restaurants & Bars

Big Bang Bagels 502 2nd Ave

The Pub Bar & Grill  742 BC Hwy 3 (located in hotel lobby)

Fernie Distillers  531 1st Ave

Nevados 531 2nd Ave

Chilango Mexican 1302B Highway 3

The Bridge Bistro 301 BC Hwy 3

The Fernie Taphouse 691 1st Ave (located to the left of the stage)

Fernie Brewing Co. 26 Manitou Rd

Retail & Banks

TD Bank 391 2nd Ave

The Guides Hut 671 2nd Ave

Le Grand Fromage 672 2nd Ave

Ski Base  432 2nd Ave

Services & Non-Profits

Wildheart Therapies 561M BC Hwy 3

Gas Stations

7-11/PetroCan 1291 BC Hwy 3

Other

Mantra Spirit Studio 591 C 2nd Ave

Westland Insurance 512 2nd Ave

SOAR Studios 461 1st Ave

Vancouver Foundation Logo in Colour

About Us

The Fernie Pride Society supports and connects the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the Elk Valley.  Incorporated in December 2016, the Society is a hub for 2SLGBTQ+ people and their allies, programming special events as well as providing resource referrals.

 

Get In Touch

102 Commerce Road
Fernie, BC
V0B 1M5

Fernie Pride acknowledges that we reside on land located within Qukin ʔamakʔis, the unceded traditional territory of Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it.

We recognize that we live and work within their vast lands. ʔakanuxunik̓ are from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi‘it and are members of the Ktunaxa speaking peoples of British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana.

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