Pee is for post-season: Council inquiry to address public urination downtown

As Edmontonians continue to stream downtown on game nights to watch the Oilers pursue Stanley Cup glory, there’s an unpleasant side-effect plaguing city streets.

Public urination in the alleys and building entrances near Rogers Place is a worry, Coun. Scott McKeen told reporters Tuesday at city hall.

“It’s not really civil behaviour, for sure,” he said, noting condo alcoves tucked away off the street aren’t immune. “That is the equivalent of going out to somebody’s neighbourhood, walking up to their front step and peeing on it.”

He put forward an inquiry at city council Tuesday to examine the prevalence of public urination downtown and how it might be curbed. A report is slated to go to council in August.

McKeen wants the report to include information about enforcement, including the number of tickets being issued by police.

“We may not be, as a community, tagging, fining people for doing that. I want to wake that up,” he said.

The fine for public urination is $500, Edmonton Police Service spokesman Scott Pattison said on Tuesday. Police officers have reported “exemplary behaviour” from the public during the playoffs, he added, and there hasn’t been a rise in public urination tickets.

McKeen said part of the issue is that residents are confused about who to call if they witness public urination, and they’re shuffled between the city ’s 311 line and police.

Mayor Don Iveson said there’s a design issue downtown requiring long-term planning. The city installed temporary washrooms in Michael Phair Park as a way to combat the long washroom lines fans encounter at Rogers Place.

“We’re going to need to put solutions in place for next season for sure,” Iveson said.

Coun. Tony Caterina called for the report to include other facilities such as Commonwealth Stadium.

“It’s … reminding people about community standards,” McKeen said.