Free menstrual products now available at more than 100 Mississauga public facilities

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Published September 27, 2022 at 10:09 am

City of Mississauga 2024 budget adopted

Free menstrual products are now available in public washrooms at Mississauga community centres, libraries and arenas in addition to various other City-run facilities.

The plan, approved by Mississauga City council in April, is initially providing the products at about 100 or so City of Mississauga facilities.

“I’m so proud that Mississauga is offering free menstrual products at our City facilities. No one should experience period poverty, regardless of their age or income,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We are committed to removing these barriers, and providing free and easy access to those who need these supplies is the first step.”

In noting council’s approval of the plan this past April, Crombie said at the time that it “…will help remove any cost barriers and stigma that may be attached to those who are unable to afford menstrual products. We’ve researched this, and according to studies, approximately one-third of Canadian women under the age of 25 struggle to afford menstrual products. In Mississauga and Peel, there is a noticeable gap to accessing these supplies and we are committed to changing this.”

City facilities that will carry the products in the initial phase include:

  • recreation facilities including community centres, golf courses and arenas
  • libraries
  • park washrooms in select locations
  • culture facilities, including Meadowvale Theatre, Small Arms Inspection Building, Bradley Museum, Benares Historic House, Living Arts Centre and Celebration Square
  • Paramount Fine Foods Centre
  • City Hall
  • City Centre Transit Terminal
  • Ontario Court of Justice

Jodi Robillos, the City’s commissioner of community services, said the City must support all residents.

“We’re focused on establishing facilities that remain accessible for everyone. Offering basic essential items like period products is just as important as toilet paper and paper towels,” Robillos said. “Dispensers have been installed in identified City facilities where these products can be most effective to serve the community such as community centres, libraries, transit terminals and park washrooms.”

The City says all dispensers will be in place by the end of October and then regularly maintained and stocked.

Officials say beyond the initial rollout of the plan, they’ll be reviewing where more dispensers can be installed in future, based on demand and operating costs.

Visit the City’s website for more information.

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