Community

New all-gender and universal washrooms available at the Ottawa Campus

Image of a washrooms with stall doors closed and a text-based wall mural on either side of the image

The four-corners washroom in A Building

Algonquin College is proud to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to inclusion, diversity and breaking down barriers within the College community. Facilities Management has recently completed extensive renovations to multiple washrooms on the Ottawa Campus, culminating in the creation of inclusive, all-gender and universal washroom facilities, as well as the first deliberately designed and constructed all-gender washrooms in College-owned facilities. 

This project has been in the works since 2022, with the overarching goal of fostering inclusivity across campus. A dedicated working group was formed to identify the diverse needs of the College community, including learners, employees and the public who use our facilities. Collaborating with consultants, we set ambitious standards for these all-inclusive washrooms, incorporating valuable lessons learned from the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre project completed in 2021. 

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AC student Kimana Mar wins gold at 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games  

Just 23 years old, Algonquin College student Kimana Mar recently represented Canada at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin. From June 17 to June 25, Mar joined a staggering 7,000 athletes, 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers to take part in the experience of a lifetime.

As a rhythmic gymnast, Mar has spent over a decade honing her craft — last month’s summer games served as an opportunity to showcase her years of hard work and dedication.

Mar achieved outstanding success at the Games, winning five gold medals and one silver medal in the top division: one individual gold for level 4 ball; one individual gold for level 4 clubs; one individual gold for level 4 ribbon; one individual silver for level 4 rope; one individual gold for all around level 4 gymnast; and one team gold for group floor.

Kimana Mar holds up her hands in celebration at the Special Olympic World Summer Games in Berlin. Mar wears a red, Team Canada jacket, her medals and a smile.

Source: Special Olympic Canada

Her success at the Games is a testament to her hours of hard work. In any given week Mar is dedicating five to six days toward gymnastics, fitness, ballet, and mental skills training all while juggling a rigorous academic schedule.

“I am very proud to have won these medals for Canada and that all my hard work leading up to the games paid off. It was incredible to feel the emotions and excitement of representing Canada and meeting athletes from around the world,” said Mar. “The team gold medal that the Canadian rhythmic gymnastics team won for the group floor routine means a lot to me because we came from across Canada, bonded as friends, and did it together. It feels amazing.”

Congratulations, Kimana! Algonquin College is proud to be a part of your incredible journey.