The Thompson Nicola Regional District has no plans to reopen public washrooms in its downtown building.

A concern was brought forward by Kamloops councillor Denis Walsh about the library washrooms being closed.

Councillor and TNRD director Arjun Singh says he brought the matter to chief librarian Judy Moore.

“She said that essentially, the problem with opening washrooms right now is the tight spaces around COVID-19, with cleaning and security. So they’re not actually contemplating opening washrooms at the downtown library at this point.”

The library reopened last week but washrooms are closed, and Walsh says that’s putting “negative pressure” on downtown businesses.

“There’s a need for adequate public washroom facilities; not just for people using the library but in the downtown core… I don’t understand how you have an assembly building without providing a washroom,” Walsh said earlier this week.

NL News called the library, and a staff member confirmed that all public washrooms are closed in the building. Staff do have washrooms available, and customers at other businesses within that building can use bathrooms as well.