Full guide with cover.pdf

Provision of free menstrual products and gender equity in City-operated washrooms The City is participating in United Way BC’s Period Promise Campaign by providing free menstrual products in some City operated public washrooms at the Lewis Centre and the LINC Youth Centre as a pilot project that began in April 2024. 7KHVH IDFLOLWLHV ZHUH FKRVHQ EDVHG RQ WKHLU XVH E\ D VLJQLȴFDQW number of women, youth, people living with low incomes, and/or experiencing homelessness. $FFHVV WR PHQVWUXDO SURGXFWV D΍HFWV ZRPHQ JLUOV QRQ ELQDU\ and trans individuals as well as caregivers, family, and friends. The City will be reviewing the gender-equity of City-operated washrooms to make sure our facilities are open and welcome to all. Key Points: • 86% of people who menstruate have reported experiencing an unexpected period start in public without the supplies they need. (Free the Tampon, 2-13) • Period poverty is common for families with an annual household income of under $40,000 per year. • People of Indigenous ancestry, and people living with physical and/or mental disabilities are most profoundly impacted by the cost of menstrual products. (United Way Period Promise Report 2021) • In Canada, new labour code regulations came into force on December 15, 2023, requiring that in all federally- regulated workplaces the employer must provide menstrual products in each toilet room, in addition to a covered disposal container. • Menstrual equity campaigns are underway in a number of provinces. • The program may be expanded in 2025 based on Council’s direction and the 2025 Financial Plan. Check out Canada’s Period pin map at periodpin.ca to see IDFLOLWLHV LQFOXGLQJ WKH &LW\ R΍HULQJ IUHH PHQVWUXDO SURGXFWV

The Strategic Cultural Plan, a 2023 – 2026 Council strategic priority, provides a framework and roadmap to support arts and culture in Courtenay over the next ten years. The plan, developed in 2023 and 2024, informs a ten year arts and culture service implementation strategy that will help identify key gaps and opportunities in cultural services, cultural infrastructure, and help guide City processes. It also supports core areas of services, and investment in the City’s cultural services and assets. View the Strategic Cultural Plan

Courtenay Culture

Learn more at courtenay.ca/ CulturePlan

Courtenay Culture | 250-334-4441 | courtenay.ca/culture

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