Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

A temporary sanitary block for those experiencing homelessness has been up and running at the Guertin site since August 20.

“This is a request from citizens experiencing homelessness but also from local groups,” Hull- Wright district councillor and commissioner for the fight against homelessness Steve Moran told reporters during a press briefing the following day. “There’s a basic need that must be addressed.”

Back in July, the Comité exécutif decided a temporary sanitary block was quickly needed as the Robert-Guertin Centre was set to be demolished.

“I think there are certainly some adjustments to be made in the short term, but generally, it’s going well … Today is the first full day of operation. We’ll see a little bit more over the coming week,” said Moran.

Only equipped with showers and toilets, Moran said a “more robust” sanitary block was expected to replace the temporary facility by the end of the year. A permanent sanitary block was not the only project on the way to assist homeless individuals.

“A huge number of projects are coming up to better meet the needs of the population on site.”

Photo caption: Gatineau adds a temporary sanitary block to the Guertin site but plans to include a more permanent fixture at the end of the year.

Photo credit: Steve Moran Facebook Page