Where are all of Toronto’s water fountains?

I know the provincial election just ended but I’m already thinking about Toronto’s upcoming municipal election. The issue that got me thinking is water fountains. The City was late in getting its water fountains up and running in time for the last week’s heat wave and I have to ask “why don’t we have more of these and why don’t we have them on longer? And don’t get me started on bathrooms. 

Why so few water fountains?

There’s a lot of reasons to be out and about. With summer and patio season underway, most of us have a great opportunity to experience the city’s restaurant scene. I’ve never been to a restaurant without a bathroom or free water. But not everyone who wants to explore the city is stopping at restaurants along the way. Not everyone can afford to and those who can may not feel like it. But it’s hot and no matter who you are, you’d probably like some water. So why so few water fountains? 

Yes, there are solutions that don’t involve the City doing anything. We can bring water with us but should we have to? We all drink water. Why not provide it for everyone? Who doesn’t benefit from more water fountains?  

Private infrastructure?

How come so much of the infrastructure that supports the exploration of our city is private? It’s a problem. For instance, we have to use the bathroom year-round and yet public bathrooms, mostly concentrated around parks usually close when the temperature drops. But we all still go outside in the winter. Sure, most of us know to go before leaving but some of us are parents with kids. How many times do parents have to grin and bare asking “hey, can my kid use your bathroom?”  

There is a cynical way to look at the issue here. The people who would benefit the most from more water fountains and public bathrooms experience homelessness. They can’t bring water from home, and they can’t go before they leave home because they don’t have homes. Last summer Toronto Police Services came under fire for the removal of homeless encampments in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Most of us agreed it was a cruel use of force inflicted upon people just trying to exist. It’s not crazy to say that there are people in the City who are not only opposed to providing services, there are people who are content to harass those experiencing homelessness.

However, I am willing to be brave and say for all to hear that I do not support harassing people experiencing homelessness. I don’t think it makes any sense to deprive everyone of more water and bathrooms just because some of the people who would benefit may not have a home. There’s an old expression that come to mind, “don’t cut off your nose to spite your face”

So, for any aspiring municipal politicians reading, consider supporting more bathrooms and water fountains. It would benefit everyone and that’s a good thing.