Saskatoon police to open gender-neutral washroom in headquarters lobby

The Saskatoon Police Service will soon be opening a gender-neutral washroom at its headquarters building.

The washroom will be officially opened at a ceremony to be held Thursday morning.

"The Saskatoon Police Service wants to demonstrate a greater understanding and appreciation of the LGBTQ community in our city," said Chief Clive Weighill in a news release. "Designating a public washroom gender-neutral is one small step we can take in working to strengthen that relationship."

The organization is one of a growing number of institutions providing gender-neutral bathrooms to make LGBT people more comfortable.

"It creates a safe space for trans and gender diverse people," said Rachel Lowen-Walker, executive director of OUTSaskatoon. "At the same time, it's setting a bold precedent for other public institutions."

The police service is also planning to provide diversity training to its employees, focusing on how to make safe, inclusive spaces for members of the public and LGBT staff.

The ceremony will be held at police headquarters at 10:30 a.m.