After strong protest from citizens, the City of Granby decided to reverse course regarding universal locker rooms at its aquatic center, choosing to maintain only one and make the others gender-specific.
This was confirmed by the mayor of the Estrie municipality, Julie Bourdon, during the last meeting of the municipal council which was held on Monday.
The members of the municipal council reconsidered their choice after the results of a survey sent to more than 2,650 citizens registered at the Desjardins aquatic center. Following the responses of 773 people, it emerged that 58% of them have a negative perception of universal changing rooms.
“There is therefore a decision that was taken by the members of the municipal council to maintain a universal locker room and that the two other locker rooms become a women’s locker room and a men’s locker room,” underlined Ms. Bourdon.
The mayor nevertheless specified that 25% of respondents said they were rather satisfied or very satisfied with this new configuration.
The new changes will be effective from January 3, “when we return from the holidays,” said the elected official.
“What is important to emphasize is that the rules that were in place regarding nudity and walking around in underwear are maintained,” she added.
The City’s step back was immediately welcomed by a citizen during the question period, reflecting the opinion that seemed to be shared by many since the implementation of universal locker rooms at the aquatic center.
Faced with concerns, the City notably organized an information session concerning the sharing of the three locker rooms by everyone last October.
The change had been made for logistical reasons, assured the City, which then mentioned that the women’s and family locker rooms were often more full than the men’s.
Incivility not tolerated
If the mayor affirmed that she understood that subjects can “come and get us” as citizens, she nevertheless strongly condemned the disrespectful remarks which were made towards the staff of the aquatic center.
“I have been shown signs of incivility towards the aquatic center staff, and I can tell you that this is completely unacceptable,” said Ms. Bourdon.