Board Update – June 5, 2026
The conversation about Gender‑Inclusive Washrooms has been part of the work of SSUC for nearly two years. The idea first emerged through several discussions during “Lunch and Learn” opportunities in 2024, referred to the Affirm Committee, with recommendations to the Board. As an affirming community, SSUC is committed to inclusion and to welcoming people of all gender identities and expressions. Gender‑inclusive washrooms have been raised often as a practical way to live out those core values and ensure that everyone including our own SSUC participants, our Emberwood and Dragonfly partners, and the general public can participate fully and comfortably in our shared space.
Later in 2024, the Board reached out to reputable contractors to assess our current washroom layout. A few contractors offered preliminary designs to better understand what might be feasible. In spring 2025, the concept was introduced at the AGM by the Chair of Property & Maintenance indicating that when more information was available, it would be shared. When early plans and estimates arrived, the projected cost was higher than anticipated, and the work paused while we considered next steps. The conversation evolved in April 2026, when the current Board expressed interest in revisiting the project. Since then, significant behind‑the‑scenes work has taken place to develop a clear, concrete, and affordable plan, one that we could bring forward to the congregation for learning, discussion, and discernment.
We are now sharing this information so that the entire community can review it, reflect, and bring forward questions in a thoughtful and respectful way.
View the plan here
As we move forward, we want to ensure that this process remains open, transparent, and grounded in our shared values. Your questions, reflections, and concerns are essential as we discern together.
Next Steps:
1. On Sunday, June 14, 2026, all are invited to stay after the gathering for an information session and open conversation about the Gender‑Inclusive washroom project. The livestream will remain open for those joining online. At this session, we will have a chance to review the plan, ask questions, and share reflections as we continue discerning together.
2. On June 21, 2026, we will hold a special Congregational Meeting immediately after the gathering when we will consider a motion to approve the plan.
We encourage everyone to attend, listen, ask questions, and help us discern together our forward movement and evolution as a community. Online attendance is encouraged at beginning at 11:30am, with the zoom link available in the newsletter.
Questions? Concerns? Appreciation? You are invite to reach out directly to Blair, our board chair, by phone at 780‑932‑5225 or by email at blairandersoncroft@gmail.com. Your engagement will help guide the Board as we continue this work with care and respect for our whole community.
A Message from the Board of SSUC:
Gender‑Inclusive Washroom Update (May 28, 2026)
In 2025, there was a brief discussion at the AGM about the possibility of transitioning our washrooms to a gender‑inclusive model. While this work has been in development at the committee level for some time, it has now returned to the Board’s agenda. As part of our due diligence, we want to ensure that every SSUC member has the information they need to make an informed decision and to participate in a thoughtful, well‑grounded conversation.
This step reflects our long‑held commitment to being an affirming, safe, and welcoming community for people of all gender identities and expressions. Our goal is not only to share updates, but to support the congregation in understanding the purpose, impact, and importance of gender‑inclusive washrooms within our community.
As part of this work, we are engaging with Room for Everyone, a resource from Egale Canada that supports communities in understanding why inclusive washrooms matter and how to create them thoughtfully. The guide reminds us that many trans and gender‑diverse people continue to face barriers, discomfort, or even safety concerns in gendered washrooms. Inclusive washrooms are one meaningful way we can support dignity, belonging, and full participation for all who enter our space.
By grounding our decisions in this resource, SSUC is taking an important step in living out our values, ensuring that everyone can move through our building safely, comfortably, and without hesitation.
Questions? Contact Blair Anderson-Croft at 780-932-5225 or blairandersoncroft@gmail.com.
Resource link: https://egale.ca/awareness/inclusive-washrooms/
Stay tuned for future updates, information, conversations and decisions…