Just two months after BC mandated that all public schools in the province will be required to provide free menstrual products in washrooms by the end of 2019, the City of Victoria has decided to join the movement.
In a statement on Monday morning, Victoria announced their decision to partner with United Way Greater Victoria’s ‘Period Promise’ campaign in a move to roll out free menstrual products like tampons and pads at several civic facilities.
See also:
- All BC public schools will be required to provide free menstrual products by the end of 2019
- Here’s why you might see a BC Transit bus full of menstrual products this weekend
To begin with, the products will be made available in washrooms at City Hall, Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre, and downtown public washrooms.
Leading the way
According to spokesperson Bill Eisenhauer, they will be rolled out this summer with costs coming out of the city’s existing budget for washroom supplies.
Any additional costs required will be taken from the city’s contingency fund, and staff will monitor the costs during the initial roll out in order to factor them in while creating the city’s 2020 financial plan.
The movement was spearheaded by councillor Laurel Collins, who has been instrumental in fostering the city’s partnership with United Way.
“Having a period is part of life. People should be able to access them when and where they need them,” Collins told Victoria Buzz.
“I’m hopeful that other cities and organizations are going to follow our lead in joining the Period Promise campaign.”
Members of the community can also participate in the Period Promise campaign by donating financially or by organizing a Period Promise campaign to collect donated products such as tampons, pads, cups or menstrual underwear.
