Grey Highlands is approving using storage space at the Osprey Arena as a temporary location for a female change room for the upcoming ice season.
Council approved using the alternate space and directed staff to bring forward a cost estimate for a permanent solution to construct a female chance room at the arena during a meeting on July 5.
In a report from Manager of Operations and Parks and Recreation Mike Botelho, on May 17, council received a delegation from a representative of the Osprey Recreation Board, who illustrated the need for a dedicated female change room for the arena. Council directed staff to report back on the feasibility of creating the change room in the storage room next to the ice resurfacer room and to begin clearing out the space.
The report adds parks and recreation staff have been assessing the proposed location and the feasibility of the request, including benches, electrical, plumbing, ventilation, and accessibility.
After an assessment, staff are recommending the proposed storage site not be repurposed on a temporary basis for the upcoming ice season as a result of significant safety concerns. Instead, staff recommend an alternate solution be inside the storage area behind the kitchen and require erecting two walls, some minor electrical and lighting, and a doorway, as well as the installation of rubber flooring. It would not have plumbing for a washroom and shower.
“A dedicated female change room promotes inclusivity by providing safe and comfortable spaces for females to change and participate in activities. The municipality currently has a dedicated female change room at the Markdale Arena; uses one of the dressing room in Flesherton Arena specifically for females; and at this point in time does not have female change room in either Osprey or Rockyln,” says the report.
Staff have identified a long-term solution to the need of a change room by building an addition next to the existing change rooms, and would cost $25,000.
The temporary change room will be in place in time for the 2023/24 ice season.
