Toronto to go ahead with public toilets, despite Seattle debacle
22.07.2008 14:00
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- Source: cbc.ca
Toronto is moving ahead with its plan to put a new generation of public toilets on city streets, despite the dismal experience an American city had with the same conveniences. The Toronto toilets will cost a dollar to use, and each will automatically sterilize its own floors, sinks and toilets after use. They're part of outdoor advertising company Astral Media's bid to supply Toronto with $1 billion worth of street furniture over the next 20 years. In Seattle, however, a four-year experiment with the toilets has come to an end. City councillor Richard J. McIver said the idea "worked out poorly for us." Seattle bought five of the automated toilets at a cost of about $1 million US each. They were free to use. The city installed them in neighbourhoods where facilities were lacking, but it now admits the idea has become an utter disaster. "They became habitats for drug dealers, for prostitution and other anti-social activities," said McIver. The problems became so severe that Seattle opted out of its toilet contract early at a cost to the city of $500,000. The toilets are now for sale on eBay for $90,000 apiece. In Toronto, however, city planning manager Kyp Perikleous says that won't happen. "That $1 charge will deter loitering in the washrooms," he said. If that doesn't work, the toilet will automatically call for security to remove anyone who stays longer than 15 minutes. RelatedInternal LinksYOUR VIEW: Do you think public pay toilets are a good idea?Seattle loos could be Calgary's gainVideo Sean Henry reports: Toronto to go ahead with public toilets, despite Seattle debacle (Runs: 1:54)Play: QuickTime »Play: Real Media »Consumer HeadlinesGM unveils new Camaro to be built in CanadaGM's Chevrolet has unveiled its 2010 Camaro, bringing back to life the iconic sports car it retired in 2002.Gas prices push up retail salesHigher prices consumers paid for gasoline in May helped push overall retail sales for the month up by 0.4 per cent to $35.8 billion.Salmonella strain traced to jalapeno pepperU.S. government inspectors finally have a big clue in the nationwide salmonella outbreak: They found the same bacteria strain on a single Mexican-grown jalapeno pepper handled in Texas — and issued a stronger warning for consumers to avoid fresh jalapenos. Ex-con sues American Express, blaming it for his Grimsby arrestA disbarred Manhattan lawyer who pleaded guilty to statutory rape has sued American Express for giving police credit card information which he says led to his 2006 capture in Grimsby, Ont.B.C. eyes card system to cut lottery fraudThe B.C. Lottery Corp. is considering a swipe card system in its effort to address the issue of lottery retailer fraud. Consumer Life FeaturesGAS MISERS'Hypermileage'Going to extremes to save on gasBRIGHT IDEASSolar car raceCrossing the continent without stopping for gasEconomyGlobal inflationPrices are rising all over the worldBLOGFood BytesCutting through the smokeBLOGComm-OdditiesMajor league tips for drought-proof lawnsPeople who read this also read …
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