Local transit users who have found themselves with the need to heed the call of nature while still a transfer ride away from their destinations will be pleased by the City of North Bay's plans for its downtown transit terminal.
According to a request for proposals for renovations in and around the Oak Street East terminal, known as the Peter Reid Stop, a major focus is the locked door washroom set-up present in the building.
"The current washroom configurations are subject to damage, abuse, and theft of fixtures/washroom components, and at times are difficult to access/maintain due to the 'closed' nature of the design," the document reads.
The City advised bidders the design for new washrooms must contain specific features, including an open-access concept; fixtures and washroom components that are permanently fixed; deterrents to abuse and damage; increased safety and security; and, easy access for maintenance.
According to the RFP bid document, the "current washroom layout and configuration require review with re-design within the existing overall footprint of the Transit Facility to improve function and overall use, safety, cleanliness and comfort for transit passengers."
And, from the staff report on the project: "Not addressing the washroom design that improves the overall safety, security and comfort of passengers means repairing and rehabilitating the current facility at 100% municipal costs in the near future to address maintenance issues and functional deficiencies that have been identified."
Thanks to millions of dollars in combined federal and provincial funding, some major renovation plans are in the works at North Bay's downtown transit hub including the HVAC units, outdoor pathways, pads and shelters, and some interior improvements at the Peter Reid Stop, including the public washrooms. The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Transit Stream will cover approximately 73.33 per cent of eligible costs.
During its regular meeting, Tuesday, North Bay City Council members will vote on awarding a $145,510 contract to Planmac Engineering Inc. for design services related to the transit bus station upgrades. According to the City, the proposal from Planmac scored the highest of the three applicants and provides the best overall value. Their bid is considered fair and reasonable. The contract covers design work for ongoing upgrades and repairs to the terminal, as well as projects related to Transit Terminal Improvements and Transit Terminal Rehabilitation that were approved for funding through ICIP.
The City says the focus will be to "optimize the interior as well as the exterior of the facility to improve overall safety, security and passenger comfort as well as enhancing the pedestrian and age-friendly environment to increase the use of local transit services."
The City of North Bay has been approved for up nearly $8.3 million in combined federal and provincial funds to support 10 transit-related projects:
- transit terminal improvements;
- transit terminal rehabilitation;
- implementation of transit on-demand service;
- bicycle racks and related storage areas;
- facility improvements to the fleet garage and bus barn;
- improvements to specialized transit buses (installation of automated vehicle location system and security cameras);
- new bus shelters, concrete pads and digital signage at bus stops;
- purchase of additional sidewalk trackless snow plow;
- construction of sidewalks and stormwater improvements; and
- fleet garage and bus barn upgrades (central vacuum system and garage doors).
