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By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

EXPECTED TO REOPEN IN 2026

Renovations coming to Sorensen Station washrooms

Feb 24, 2025 | 6:37 PM

In its regular meeting on Feb. 24, Red Deer’s city council directed administration to borrow $450,000 to renovate the Sorensen Station washrooms, with a goal of getting them operational by the end of March 2026.

Additionally, council approved $50,000 to be taken from the Operating Reserve – Tax Supported (ORTS) to fund a temporary washroom for the summer of 2025, similar to what the City has provided in previous years.

“Access to public washrooms in downtown Red Deer is an ongoing concern, and today’s decision reflects our commitment to addressing that need,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “We understand the current financial realities and constraints facing the City, and we must also strive to be nimble as we adjust and respond to meet the evolving needs of our community.”

According to administration’s report, reopening the Sorensen Station facilities will require plumbing upgrades, enhanced security features and a redesign to improve accessibility. The estimated capital cost of these renovations is $450,000 in addition to $100,000 in continuous annual operating expenses for cleaning and a full-time attendant.

A resolution to include the Sorensen Station washroom project for consideration in the 2026 Budget planning and prioritization was defeated 3-5, with Councillors Chad Krahn, Vesna Higham and Kraymer Barnstable in support.

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As an alternative option, a motion was approved to add the capital costs of the project to the 2025 Capital Budget to be funded by debt (borrowing) and place the ongoing operational costs in the 2026 Operating Budget for future council approval. It passed 5-3, with Councillors Krahn, Higham and Barnstable opposed.

“This is more than a nice to have, it’s a health need,” commented Dianne Wyntjes.

The Sorensen Station washrooms first closed in 2020, as mandated during the COVID-19 pandemic, but remained closed afterward due to their history of cleanliness and vandalism challenges.

Data collected during a pilot project on this issue, which took place in 2021-2024, found that washrooms improve downtown accessibility, public health and hygiene, and encourage longer visits. It also found that full-time attendants deter illicit activity and encourage a safer environment for facility users.

Exploring this reopening was initially slated as a 2026 Capital Budget item, but was prioritized sooner following a notice of motion from Dianne Wyntjes made in the fall of 2024.