Washroom-Attendant-Program

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

Since 2023, the washroom attendant program has provided a safe, clean washroom experience for park visitors 7 days a week at key locations. Operated by Hiregood, the presence of attendants helps ensure this  critical amenity is available for all Calgarians and visitors.

You can find washroom attendants at the following locations:

Washroom attendants will also be present at various festivals and events in downtown park spaces. For example, in 2026 attendants will be at Cowboys Park for a few weeks in July and temporarily at Enoch Park as well. Public washrooms are also available at other City Parks .Some are operated year-round, and others are seasonal.

Program benefits

Visitor surveys provide feedback that guides the Washroom Attendant Program and helps measure its success. Survey feedback collected in 2025 shows that visitors are  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 into the current program.

Contact

If you have questions or comments about this program, 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 maintains the dignity of everyone who finds themselves in need of a washroom. The City is currently undertaking other public washroom service improvements including installing accessible universal signage and improving wayfinding at key locations, reviewing accessibility features and working on a comprehensive digital public washroom map. 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 the attendant program to continue through the winter months.  

What will the attendants do? What is their role?

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

People might think 'in' the washrooms means they won't have privacy. 

Attendants provide a presence at the washrooms and are 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.  

How is the program funded?

Council funds the Washroom Attendant Program as part of ongoing programs. Attendants that support festivals and events in city parks are paid for by festival organizers.