Winnipeg free menstrual product program now permanent
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/01/2024 (1038 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
WINNIPEG — The City of Winnipeg will permanently provide free menstrual products at nine civic buildings.
Council’s property and development committee cast a final vote to approve the program on Thursday.
Pads and tampons will be available at no charge at Millennium Library, Fort Rouge Leisure Centre, Seven Oaks Pool, Elmwood Kildonan Pool, Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre, Margaret Grant Pool, Westdale Community Centre, Freight House/Central Community Centre and Amoowigamig public washroom.
The committee also voted to have city staff review the locations each year to determine if the program should be expanded.
Coun. Vivian Santos, a key advocate for the project, said she would like to see it offered at additional facilities as soon as possible.
“I’m looking to expand it as a citywide program. I think everybody should have (easy) access to it … I think period poverty is all throughout (the city) and not just in one section,” Santos told the committee.
A city staff report says a recent one-year pilot project to offer the products was a success.
“The (program) was initiated from the recognition that barriers to accessing menstrual products can pose significant challenges for those needing them,” it notes.
“School, work, and/or recreation is easily disrupted when preferred hygiene is difficult. The stigma around not having, or having to ask for, these products can be extremely uncomfortable.”
The property and development committee previously approved $58,500 for the pilot project at eight of the locations (excluding the public washroom) but spent about $16,000 to implement it.
The report credits savings to an absence of vandalism, limited overuse of supplies and low installation costs.
The program is expected to cost about $15,000 this year and be covered within the city’s existing budget.
During the pilot project, the city gave out 11,250 pads and 16,000 tampons.
» Winnipeg Free Press