Washroom facilities at Exeter tournament called disgusting
By John Miner
South Huron Ladies Slo Pitch League is demanding answers from municipal council after garbage went uncollected, a toilet was left blocked, and there were toilet paper shortages during a recent tournament in Exeter.
In a presentation to council on behalf of the slo pitch league, Kelly Consitt said 14 teams participated in the tournament Sept. 10 to 12, bringing 168 to 210 players. In addition, there were families, children, spectators, umpires, and volunteers.
“We knew it would be busy, the municipality knew it would be busy. Unfortunately the facilities weren’t ready for that level of use,” Consitt said.
She described the washrooms as completely disgusting, and in such poor condition that she wouldn’t consider letting her five-year-old son use them.
Along with the blocked toilet, another toilet in the washrooms at the ball diamonds adjacent to the South Huron Recreation Centre was sitting on a 45-degree angle. Other deficiencies included lack of a functioning door lock on an accessible washroom stall and tap handles that didn’t work.
Bees were an issue during the tournament with people being stung and one person requiring hospital care. There was also no place for people to get out of the sun as the public was not allowed to use the Agricultural Building for shade, Consitt said.
“I understand things break, bees happen, municipal budgets have limits, but what I don’t understand is that problems that are visible year after year aren’t being addressed.”
Consitt said the group is not asking for anything extravagant.
“We are asking for clean washrooms, safe and maintained facilities, practical accessibility and somewhere for families to get out of the sun in weather while still being part of an outdoor facility.”
Consitt asked council for a clear explanation of the municipality’s inspection and preventative-maintenance process for the outdoor recreation facilities.
In particular, she asked how frequently washrooms, ball diamonds and associated outdoor facilities are formally inspected during the ball season and who is responsible for the inspections.
The Slo Pitch League had requested use of the Agricultural Building for shelter during the tournament but was advised the building is to be used solely for municipal purposes and not for assembly occupancy purposes. They have repeated their request for their 2027 tournament.
Consitt asked if the municipality can’t fund a pavilion or shelter would council allow organizations using the grounds to fundraise towards one.
“We are not asking the municipality to spend money, we are asking to be part of the solution.”
Coun. Aaron Neeb said the Agricultural Building is essentially a barn and would need significant, costly upgrades for it to be used by the public again. A pavilion might be an option instead and something the next council could consider.
Mayor George Finch said Consitt raised great points and staff will be asked to look at policies and report on how this kind of thing can be prevented from happening again.
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