Dear Editor:
On B.C. Day my friend and I spent a lovely afternoon at Ambleside Beach. When we were packing up I went to the ladies’ washroom and was appalled at the condition they were in.
I realize it is a busy weekend at the beach, but the smell was overpowering and I (along with a nice senior lady) could not find a clean stall to use. As I was leaving, a mother and her little girl were tying to brave the conditions.
I went next door to the lifeguard office and found a helpful young lady who said that she tries to never use those washrooms. She had a phone number but thinks that it is the District of West Vancouver’s responsibility and due to it being a (statutory holiday) she didn’t think anyone would come to clean it. I have called the district and left a message informing them, but have not heard back yet. Shame on you, Ambleside Beach. For all the taxes we pay, a clean washroom isn’t too much to ask for.
Sian Hall
North Vancouver
District of West Vancouver spokeswoman Donna Powers responds:
"The District of West Vancouver has a contractor in place to clean park washrooms. In Ambleside Park, the public washrooms are cleaned three times a day, including weekends and statutory holidays. If a situation like the one described occurs – which is, unfortunately, not unusual in public washrooms on busy weekends – members of the public are strongly encouraged to call the phone number posted on the washroom door, which connects them directly to the cleaning contractor and who will respond if extra cleanings are required. Unfortunately, calling district staff on a weekend can’t provide a timely response.The district plans to upgrade the Ambleside Park washroom over the fall and winter months."
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