Town of Orangeville fights back against health inequity, joins free menstrual product movement

The Town of Orangeville is taking steps to help lessen the impact of health inequity in the community by launching a free menstrual product program, with dispensers installed in public access washrooms around Town.

Several other municipalities have implemented similar programs in recent years including Brampton, Toronto, London, St. Catharines, Guelph, Kitchener, and Caledon. The Upper Grand School Board, under direction from the provincial government, began providing free menstrual products in 2021, improving access for students.

“Period Poverty can be defined as a lack of access to menstrual products due to financial constraints, which is a health equity issue affecting persons who menstruate,” said Councillor Tess Prendergast, who moved the motion to pursue this in March. “By creating more access, we can address the gaps outside of the school system.”

The menstrual product dispensers will be available in washroom facilities and change room amenities across the Town’s recreation, corporate, and outdoor parks.

Several of the locations have already been installed, with the rest to follow in the coming weeks. Once the program is fully implemented for the remainder of the 2023 year, the public will have access to these dispensers in the following locations:

• Fendley Park
• Rotary Park
• Harvey Curry/Everykids Park
• Orangeville Lions Sports Park
• Town Hall
• Alder Street Recreation Centre
• Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre
• Orangeville Public Library

“Providing free access to menstrual products plays a large role in achieving gender equity ,” added Councillor Prendergast. “These items are a necessity for those who menstruate, and we are pleased to be able to ensure the availability of hygiene products in this capacity.”