About GottaGo!
The “GottaGo!” campaign was initiated by a group of concerned citizens who took part in the Citizen’s Academy program in the fall of 2013. Since then, GottaGo! has a small core team and a growing list of active supporters. The campaign advocates for a network of, and signage to, safe, free, clean and environmentally responsible public toilets and water fountains that are accessible to persons of all abilities at major transit stops, key public places and parks to meet the needs of residents and tourists in Canada’s Capital City. The focus of our efforts has been the City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission, Ottawa Tourism and the public.
Our Work
The GottaGo! campaign work on strategies and projects, and respond to many requests for information on public toilets. In addition, students have made valuable contributions with specific projects including research, assistance with social media and participation in public actions.
• GottaGo! is continuously encouraging public dialogue about the lack public toilets in Ottawa and has gained some traction in raising public awareness about the importance of public toilets in improving public health. For example, the media attention GottaGo! has received during the Covid 19 pandemic lockdown has intensified public awareness campaign, and increased the urgency of public sanitation to be recognized as a serious public health issue.
• GottaGo! successfully lobbied the City Council to include public toilets in the LRT node stations (Hurdman and Bayview), where none had been previously planned.
• GottaGo! has successfully advocated for porta-potties in some splash pads and sports fields.
• GottaGo! has steadily increased media attention (tv, radio and print) about the importance of public toilets.
• GottaGo! has built a network of supporters through its website and social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
Why Public Toilets
In a city such as Ottawa the needs of tourists, outdoor activities of families, an aging population and people with disabilities, and the need to ensure effective public health combine to make the case that a network of safe, clean, accessible and environmentally responsible public toilets is essential.
Which of us has not been caught short by our need for a toilet? The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation surveyed their members and donors in 2010 only to find that more than 75% of them had been humiliated in this way.
What parent has not had their child urinate or defecate behind a tree in a park? Which pregnant woman, tourist, bus user, cyclist or jogger has not had moments where they worry about getting to a facility in time? Although Ottawa does have public restrooms in some large parks, their hours do not accommodate need. People with urgent needs, such as colitis and celiac sufferers, are held captive in their homes and cars.
In the city core, where bars and restaurants are located, people urinate after hours in laneways and buildings, yet restaurant and bar owners fret about non-paying customers using their washrooms. Available toilets that are accessible to people of all abilities are a public health issue, a disability issue, a tourism issue and a key to sustainable cities and complete streets. The current situation is unacceptable in a capital city. (Why public toilets)