After receiving complaints and inquiries about the closure of the public washroom at Pearson Plaza, the city is looking into options to have the washroom re-opened.
The building – owned by McCowan and Associates in Barrie – closed off the entire food court area, including access to the public washrooms early Wednesday morning.
An employee at the Barrie office, who did not want to be identified, declined to comment on the closure when contacted by ElliotLakeToday.
Elliot Lake CAO Daniel Gagnon said the city, which is a tenant in the building, is also concerned about the washroom being closed in a building that also houses the Foodland grocery store, city library and Dollar Store, and generates considerable public traffic.
“Recently, the owner of the Pearson Plaza, McCowan and Associates closed the public washroom in the former food court area. They cite a record of vandalism and the lack of tenants in the immediate area as their reasoning,” Gagnon said in a statement released this morning by the city. “This was not a municipal decision, nor was the city consulted. The city has immediately expressed a concern with the landlord and is exploring all options within the lease or otherwise, to address the situation.”
A coffee bar and Turner’s store have vacated the building and the food court area which provided access to both businesses. The seating area was frequently used by those waiting to take public transit from the plaza.
Another employee who did not want to be identified, said the washrooms were being vandalized, items stolen, and used needles had also been found in them.
Concern has also been raised about the closure of the food court area, and seating and tables provided within the court.
“Updates will be provided to the media and the community as soon as possible, likely in the in the coming days,” Gagnon added.