Shipping container finds new use as Little Red washroom

A shipping container at Little Red River Park has taken on a new purpose as the City’s newest year-round public washroom.

The City of Prince Albert opened the facility on Aug. 26. The two washrooms are heated and air-conditioned and are intended to provide an accessible option for people using the park throughout the year.

The project dates back to 2023, when city council approved a contract with Container Guy Ltd. to supply, construct and install the facility for $125,263.17 plus applicable taxes. City documents from the time described the project as a 40-foot shipping container converted to include two washrooms, a utility and mechanical room, water and wastewater tanks and a storage area.

The plans also called for heating and air conditioning, high-security locks, exterior lighting and structural engineer approval. The container was to be wrapped with imagery designed to help it blend into the park.

Before opening this summer, the City said work included meeting permit and building code requirements, installing accessible decking, testing electrical systems and making sure the facility was ready for use.

“This new facility is an important addition to Little Red River Park and will provide visitors with a modern, accessible amenity they can enjoy throughout the year,” Parks and Open Spaces Manager Timothy Yeaman said in a City release.

The opening comes months after Prince Albert city council had a separate discussion about the use of sea cans elsewhere in the city.

In January, council requested a report reviewing restrictions on sea cans used for permanent storage. Coun. Blake Edwards brought forward the motion after raising concerns about break-ins and attempts to start fires at storage areas used by organizations such as minor baseball.

Edwards told council seas cans could offer a more secure option for nonprofit organizations and businesses.

During that discussion, then acting Community Develpment Director Micheal Nelson explained that sea cans used for permanant storage are considered buildings and must comply with zoning requirements. Depending on the circumstances, National Building Code requirements can also apply.

Nelson also said shipping containers were already permitted in several areas of the city, while most residential zones and the C1 and C2 downtown commercial districts did not permit them. Council did not change the rules at that meeting and instead asked administration to examine the issue.

The Little Red River Park facility serves a different purpose than the storage containers discussed by council. City records show the container was specifically converted and engineered for use as a public washroom.

The washrooms are currently operating on a trial basis from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, until Oct. 31. The City will use the trial to evaluate electrical systems, water and septic servicing and other operational requirements.

The water in the facility is non-potable and is intended only for handwashing and washroom operations. Existing outhouses and facilities at Cosmo Lodge will remain available during the trial period.

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