---
title: "Vancouver's $446,000 DTES public washroom closes after less than five months"
description: "A Portland Loo at Main and Powell Streets in the Downtown Eastside went out of service in late October 2026 due to a lock malfunction, less than five months after it opened."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/news/dtes-portland-loo-closed-main-powell-october-28"
last_updated: "2026-10-29T03:52:05.950Z"
---

A public washroom in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, installed for $446,145 earlier this year, closed in late October 2026 after a lock malfunction, Global News BC reported on October 28.

The Portland Loo at Main and Powell Streets opened on June 8, 2026, ahead of the World Cup. The City of Vancouver described it as part of its "broader effort to improve public health, cleanliness and access to essential amenities while supporting residents, businesses and visitors in some of Vancouver's busiest neighbourhoods."

The unit stayed in service for fewer than five months before closing. Global News noted that two similar Portland Loo units in CRAB Park had lasted more than two years of heavy use during an encampment period.

## What the City says

The City told Global News the closure is the result of a lock failure. "The repair is either for a lock part or for the replacement of the lock system," the City said. "We do not anticipate it being a large cost either way, and it may fall within our current budget for annual maintenance, which is largely for servicing, or require some extra funding."

Annual maintenance for the unit is budgeted at $95,000 per year. The City did not give a reopening date.

A community member told Global News: "Previously there was one here for a number of years. The self-cleaning one, but that sat broken for years and then they bought this one in time for World Cup and it only lasted four months and now no one has a bathroom anymore."

## What residents can do

The washroom at Main and Powell is currently out of service. People in the Downtown Eastside who need a public washroom will need to use other facilities in the area while the repair is completed. To report a problem with a City facility, visit vancouver.ca. The new [Vancouver City Council members](/candidates?race=city-council), taking office in November 2026, will oversee the City's public infrastructure decisions going forward.

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