Changeroom designs for Cambridge Recreation Complex cause tension at council meeting
Cambridge city council has put its final stamp of approval on the future Cambridge Recreation Complex, but not without some hurdles.
Revamped designs for the building’s pool change rooms and washrooms were presented to councillors at a meeting Tuesday.
Images of the design show a universal concept. Instead of traditional areas divided by two genders, the proposal shows gender-neutral common areas with private stalls for changing and using the restroom. There are multiple entrances and exits to the area, and the common spaces are fully visible through glass.
“Inclusivity, accessibility, security and comfort are really, I would say, the four main goals in this facility,” said Shane Taylor, the manager of recreation and place making capital projects for the City of Cambridge.
Taylor explained the washrooms and change rooms are similar to what’s seen in many restaurants these days – lockable stalls that can be used by anyone at any time.
There’s an open concept shower section for swimmers to rinse off as soon as they get out of the pool, but there are also private shower stalls for anyone who would prefer that method.
“With all the glass and all the visibility, signage and education, the main locker area, where people circulate, there’s no changing whatsoever,” Taylor explained.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, city staff explained any public changing in the facility would be treated the same as public nudity at any other public building.
Residents weigh in, tensions rise
Council heard from delegates who were both for and against the design.
Bill Kirby, the father of a transgender woman, said he’s very much in support of the plan.
Kirby’s daughter came out to the family as transgender about ten years ago. Since then, he said he’s watched varying degrees of acceptance from both family and the public.
“I felt compelled to speak out, not just as a parent, but because a lot of the people who face these obstacles, they certainly have the wherewithal to say something but don’t want to subject themselves to the blowback,” Kirby said in an interview with CTV News.
“If people can’t handle universality and inclusion, then it’s not something wrong with me. It’s something wrong with them,” he said.
Kirby said everyone wins with the universal design – there’s privacy and inclusion for all.
“Cambridge has taken a great step forward in walking the walk of inclusion, and not just talking the talk,” Kirby said.
At Tuesday’s meeting, another delegate, Devin Sisak, talked about how the floorplan is beneficial to everyone, including those with accessibility challenges.
"The revised floor plans are a testament to the team's inclusivity," Sisak said addressing council. "They showcase designs that mirror our community's collective desires, needs and aspirations."
On the other side, a number of residents also expressed concerns about having people of all ages and genders in the same space.
"Separate male and female washrooms, a family washroom, and universal washrooms, everyone is happy, safe, and everyone's needs are met," former teacher Peter Hyman said, referring to another recent build. "Why can't we have the same set up for this new facility?"
Hyman said the recreation complex’s design sets “a dangerous precedent for future building construction” in the city.
Another delegate, Janice Fiaschetti, voiced concerns over the proposal. Her presentation was cut off by Mayor Jan Liggett.
“You’re going in a direction that’s not allowed here,” the mayor said, before calling for security to remove Fiaschetti after she wouldn’t stop talking.
Taylor said there’s some clear misunderstandings from the public.
“This misconception that people are expected to be all in one giant room, all changing together and getting naked in front of other people. That’s absolutely not the case,” Taylor said.
“Really, the driving force behind this is to have small, comfortable private spaces.”
After a lengthy discussion, council passed the design 7-2, putting the final stamp of approval on the rec centre.
The city will look for tenders for the construction starting in May. Staff are hopeful shovels will break ground this summer, with doors opening in 2026.
Taylor said the price tag for the building is just under $109 million.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
AS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.