Downtown-Washroom-Attendant-Program

Downtown Washroom Attendant Program

Downtown is the economic and cultural heart of Calgary. It is the central hub for business, innovation, and creativity. We are committed to supporting a downtown that is vibrant and welcoming for all Calgarians and visitors.

Current program

Update: Dec. 2025

Following additional funding approved by City Council, the washroom attendant program will be continuing into 2026 at Century Gardens, Central Memorial Park and Devonian Gardens!

Since 2023, the washroom attendant program has provided a safe, clean washroom experience for park visitors 7 days a week and currently operated by Hiregood. With the presence of attendants, public washrooms provide a critical amenity for Calgarians, and the program remains a key outcome from the Downtown Safety Leadership Table at the following locations:

This past summer, washroom attendants were also present at various festivals and events in downtown park spaces.

Public washrooms are also available at other Parks locations, some are operated year-round, and others are seasonal. 

Program benefits

Throughout the year, surveys are a regular tool used to collect feedback from Calgarians to help guide the program and measure its success. Survey feedback collected in 2026 shows that visitors are more likely to return due to the positive experience this program provides. Prior to its implementation, public concerns about safety and cleanliness were common, and many facilities were frequently closed for extensive repairs caused by vandalism. Each location has seen a reduction in repair and maintenance costs from 2024 to 2025. For example, Century Gardens and Cowboys Park together achieved savings of approximately $10,000 in repair and maintenance costs.

Program background

In 2023, The City ran a Downtown Washroom Attendant Pilot Project in two busy downtown parks: Olympic Plaza and Century Gardens. The pilot project was intended to help improve the overall user experience of these public washrooms and was funded by the Government of Alberta.

Following the 2023 pilot, downtown residents and businesses near the pilot locations were surveyed on the program and the feedback was summarized in an evaluation report. Overall feedback and lessons learned were incorporated ahead of the current program.

Contact

If you have questions or comments about this pilot, please contact 311. 

Frequently asked questions

What is The City doing around a plan for public washrooms?

It is important to provide a safe and clean washroom experience for all users and to reduce the incidences of biowaste in public areas. Providing equitable access to clean, safe and accessible public washrooms allows people dignity when they don’t have access to a private washroom. The City is currently developing a strategy internally to determine The City's role in providing public washrooms and to coordinate public washroom work across The City of Calgary. Data collected from existing washroom projects and pilots will be used to inform future actions where possible.

Why have these bathrooms been selected for this program?

There are several potential locations for this type of project within downtown Calgary. These downtown parks have been highlighted as locations that would benefit from washroom attendants based on public feedback and monitoring of existing washrooms. 

Are these washrooms permanent or seasonal?

Although many washrooms in parks are seasonal, Century Gardens, Central Memorial Park and Devonian Gardens operate year-round, allowing for the attendant program to continue through the winter months. 

What will the attendants do? What is their role?

Attendants will provide a presence at the washrooms and will be responsible for keeping the washrooms clean and welcoming for park visitors.

How many City of Calgary public washrooms are available in downtown Calgary?

Visit this page to learn more about the locations and operating hours of public washrooms in park spaces.  

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