Strathmore updates men’s bathrooms with change tables

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

As a stay-at-home dad, Strathmore town Councillor Jason Montgomery couldn’t help but notice the lack of change tables available in the men’s washrooms at town-owned facilities, making it challenging for men to provide simple services for their children.
As a result, Montgomery’s request with the town’s administration to upgrade the facilities has already resulted in the installation of change tables at the Strathmore Civic Centre, the Strathmore Aquatic Centre, the Strathmore Family Centre and the town offices.
“I just noticed that the women’s bathrooms had change tables and the men’s didn’t, and being a stay-at-home dad myself I realized that that was kind of something that should be provided to both sexes,” Montgomery said.
“It’s one of those things where the tide is turning you could say. I suggested it and the town jumped on it really quick and got it done right away.”
Montgomery asked for all facilities where the women’s bathrooms have change tables to be upgraded to also include the resource in the men’s washrooms. The installation cost Strathmore less than $1,000.
The town’s communications ambassador, Ty Tomasta, is not aware of any other initiatives moving forward in regard to equal opportunities for fathers and mothers, but said once the 2019 budget is passed, the town will have a better understanding of spending in the new year.
“Our facilities across town have now included change tables within all the men’s facilities,” said Tomasta. “It was just a move to be more inclusive so everyone, regardless of gender, can have access to the facilities the town has to offer.”
The change tables were installed last week.