Dear friends,

On March 13th, building management informed us that as of March 20th, 9th-floor washroom access will require a key or access card, citing “multiple incidents” and “better security.” We were not told of any specific incidents, given advance notice, or allowed to discuss alternatives. Last week, we were told the decision is final.

While some may have occasionally misused the washrooms, we see this as part of a broader pattern of over-policing, reduced services, and barriers to healthcare in Ottawa. Our team will manage, but over the past 18 months, changes to the accessibility of the building have been made, as far as we know, without consultation with tenants, a conversation we’ve requested to discuss the real challenges facing our neighbours and service users.

We acknowledge that issues have increased (as we’ve previously shared), but consistent accessibility is becoming unsustainable. New cameras, patrols, a security guard, restricted elevator access during evening programs, and now key-only washrooms, all done without consulting those doing frontline work. We’ve been patient, but no adequate rationale has been given for why client accessibility must be sacrificed.

This decision doesn't solve problems; it creates new burdens. Staff and volunteers are now responsible for managing washroom access, particularly during large events. People lose autonomy, agency, and dignity when they must seek "permission" to use the washroom. Relying on shared keys also poses hygiene risks and increases the likelihood of those keys being lost or accidentally taken home.

We’ll do our best to make this transition as smooth and dignified as possible, and we will continue advocating for more human-centred approaches to building safety. We remain committed to keeping Kind Space as accessible as we can, and we will keep you updated as we push for better solutions.

In solidarity,

The Kind Space Team