The Bridges shelter in downtown Galt has completed renovations of their washrooms with financial help from the province.
After receiving $75,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Cambridge Shelter Corp. was able to overhaul the washrooms in the emergency mens shelter, making it safer and less susceptible to damage.
"Guys were breaking the sinks, punching holes in the walls and flushing a lot of needles down the sink," said Wayne Paddick, executive director of the Bridges. "It kinda became a hangout for them where they would use and do not so good things in, so we're happy to move away from that."
The old sinks and toilets were constantly being broken and have now been replaced with stainless steel fixtures that are strong enough to handle whatever is thrown at them, bearing similarity to that of a correctional facility, added Paddick.
The toilets also offer an easier way to service if they become clogged with needles or other objects that are not supposed to be flushed.
Cambridge MPP Brian Riddell stopped by the shelter to see how the provincial funds were being used and talked about the possibility of more funding in the future.
Riddell said he's pleased to see Cambridge Shelter Corp. get the funding for the repairs, knowing how critical their work is in supporting marginalized people in our community.
"The upkeep of its facility is a crucial component of delivering those programs and services," he said.
Paddick added that the Bridges emergency shelter sees around 80 people a day with space for 70 more beds for overflow at various partner locations, including the Super 8 Motel on Hespeler Road.
The renovations were past due and needed to be completed to help the over 1,000 individuals that come through the shelter each year, Paddick said, adding that number is only going to rise.
"These washrooms are in constant use throughout the day. Thanks to this grant from OTF, bathrooms at the Bridges are more durable and will be able to withstand damage due to the high volume of use."
With the winter season right around the corner, the Bridges will see another increase in people accessing their services and will continue to offer as much space as they can.
