Cambridge council shuts down universal washroom critics

The job of a municipal politician has never been an easy one.

In most communities, ours included, it’s considered a part-time job with hours that go well beyond a part-time commitment.

So, let’s also give credit where it’s due and give an ovation to councillors in Cambridge who superbly navigated a thorny issue by meeting it head-on with the best tool in their tool box — accurate information.

It began with Mayor Jan Liggett, who calmly but firmly shut down a delegation at last week’s meeting about the universal washroom facilities that would be part of the city’s new recreation complex.

“I’m going to ask you to sit down now. You’re finished,” Liggett ordered a delegate, whose presentation veered wildly into false and malicious language.

For many, the idea of a universal change room is a foreign concept. The space provides an open area with sinks and fully enclosed stalls for changing and using the toilet. The open area in the universal change room at the new recreation complex in Cambridge is also in full view of anyone in the building.

Unfortunately, the novel design left some to fill in gaps with their own ideas.

“It is very unfortunate that much of the negative correspondence I have received has come from people who did not attend any of the consultations, nor did they delegate at any of the times when this was before us,” noted Coun. Corey Kimpson.

“Had people attended, they would have learned that no one will be removing their clothing and changing in front of anyone. No one will be going to the bathroom in front of anyone.”

Kimpson’s lament raises another important conversation around how we get people to pay attention to issues, especially those of local importance. What Cambridge faced over the universal washroom controversy — and what we face today as a society in general — is a closed-mindedness that is perpetuated by ideas in our own echo chamber.

Ward 6 Coun. Adam Cooper tried to open minds with the reminder that these washrooms already exist in many places around Cambridge.

“I tell you; I smile every time I go up to one (a universal washroom) because of how pleasurable and private they are to use,” Cooper said. “While I do understand people’s concerns and fears, I feel that there’s been a lot of misinformation spread about exactly what is going on.”

Ward 2 Coun. Mike Devine might have drilled home the point best, reminding us that this universal change room design has already been the norm in Europe for decades.

“I understand we get a little prudish here in North America,” said Devine. “I understand people’s concerns, but … I see it as safe.”

Which it is, and Cambridge council should be commended for clearly articulating that during its meeting last week. Now if we could only get more people paying attention.