Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is excited to announce that the Town of Yarmouth will become the first municipal government in Nova Scotia to support the GoHere™ Washroom Access Program.
March 15, 2023, Yarmouth, NS – Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is excited to announce that the Town of Yarmouth will become the first municipal government in Nova Scotia to support the GoHere™ Washroom Access Program. The Town has approved the use of its town hall municipal washroom facilities for the program and provided the charity with their location. The location has been added to the GoHere App. The town, led by its Accessibility Advisory Committee, hopes to encourage other municipal governments, institutions, and businesses to follow suit and join the GoHere program.
“The Crohn’s and Colitis community in Nova Scotia is grateful to the town of Yarmouth for supporting the GoHere Program to make washrooms more accessible and hope that other communities throughout the province follow their lead,” said David Harrison, President of the Halifax Chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
“Having access to a washroom can be critical to those living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The GoHere app not only provides them with a safe, accessible place to go but also allows them to know where accessible washrooms are located to remove unnecessary stress and anxiety when planning a day out or when simply running day-to-day errands.”
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s GoHere Washroom Access Program seeks to partner with organizations, businesses and governments to increase washroom access for people who live with medical conditions related to incontinence, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Featured in the free-to-download app, the ‘Washroom Locator’ helps to identify the closest available washrooms. Currently, the doors to over 3,000 washrooms across Canada have been opened to the public, with supporters registering their locations with the organization.
There are 300,000 Canadians, and over 11,600 people in Nova Scotia that live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The rates of these diseases in the province are the highest in the country, and we’re still figuring out why. Individuals with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may have to use the washroom 20 or more times a day. Often, Crohn’s and colitis patients sadly report being turned away from organizations in times of a washroom emergency or are required to buy something before being able to use a washroom. The GoHere App’s goal is to identify washrooms in communities that can be used, no questions asked.
“Many live with invisible disabilities that create barriers to everyday life. Too often, the barriers result in exclusion,” says Yarmouth Town Councillor Belle Hatfield. “For those of us living with IBD, shopping, travelling, attending public events -- any situation away from home where access to washroom facilities may be restricted -- represents a barrier. The GoHere Washroom Access Program is building a network that we can depend on by providing accessible washroom information. It is so important to those of us with urgent washroom requirements. The Town of Yarmouth is proud to participate in this program, which expands efforts to meet diverse accessibility needs.”
The Town of Yarmouth’s participation in the GoHere Access Washroom Program reflects the town’s commitment to removing barriers as part of its Accessibility Action Plan. The GoHere initiative helps remove barriers in the “built environment” by allowing access to washrooms in a municipal building.
The Town of Yarmouth joins other municipalities in Canada that are supporting the GoHere Washroom Access Program including Coquitlam, Calgary and Mississauga. The app is free and available for download on iPhone or Android. For more information visit: crohnsandcolitis.ca/gohere. Local businesses that would like to follow the Town of Yarmouth’s lead can participate in the program by emailing: gohere@crohnsandcolitis.ca.
About Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is the only national, volunteer-based charity focused on finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the lives of children and adults affected by these diseases. We are transforming the lives of people affected by Crohn’s and colitis through research, patient programs, advocacy, and awareness. For more information, visit crohnsandcolitis.ca and follow us @getgutsycanada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Nova Scotians can also follow @getgutsynovascotia on Facebook.
About The GoHere Washroom Access Program
The GoHere™ Washroom Access Program makes it possible for individuals to escape the social isolation these diseases can cause. This program makes it easier for people living with Crohn's or colitis or both to manage their symptoms and lead more active, productive and fulfilling lives. The program helps create communities that are understanding, supportive and accessible for Canadians with disabilities that cause incontinence. We want everyone to have the opportunity to engage and thrive in their community.
Action On Accessibility In Yarmouth
In January of 2021, the Town of Yarmouth formed an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). The AAC was formed in response to Nova Scotia’s 2017 Accessibility Act. The act required public sector bodies to develop accessibility action plans by the spring of 2022. In March of 2022, the AAC delivered on that requirement with a detailed action plan that will see the town do its part toward becoming an accessible province by 2030. Working closely with Town of Yarmouth staff, the AAC built the plan to identify accessibility barriers the public face when interacting with the town. Five key areas of focus include identifying barriers faced when using municipal buildings and spaces, accessing goods and services, receiving communication and information, using public transit, and applying for employment. More details and a copy of the action plan can be found at accessibility.
Media Contacts
Dawna MacIvor
Development and Community Engagement Coordinator – Atlantic Canada
dmacivor@crohnsandcolitis.ca
(902) 210-4554
Mike Carter
Communications Coordinator, Town of Yarmouth
Office: (902) 742-2521
Mobile: (902) 746-3167
comms@townofyarmouth.ca
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