By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

According to the Government of Ontario Regulation 480/24 made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as of January 1, 2026, “an employer or constructor must keep, maintain, and make available records of cleaning of these washroom facilities.”

This includes the posted records, including the date and time of the two most recent cleanings of the facility.

This is a welcome change for many residents, such as Cheri Cowan, who has been voicing her concerns related to her local facility for months.

Cowan, a resident of Caledon for over 50 years, was thrilled to hear about the new Caledon East Community Complex expansion, as she shared that the community had been waiting a “long” time for it.

Cowan began using the facility for various fitness activities, including aqua fit in the complex's pool, which she enjoys with many of her friends and other residents.

Following some improvements to the pool facilities, however, Cowan began to take notice of the state of the new facility around her.

Cowan began to notice that some areas of the facility were “not being regularly cleaned”, as well as “showers before entering the pool were not being enforced”.

After voicing her concerns, Cowan met with managers of the facility in April, and things began to look up. But following that, things began to slide again.

In August, Cowan received the July 10 inspection report from Peel Region four months after her request.

“The inspection stated ‘areas of concern were clean, free of mildew and debris. Heavy duty cleaning performed every Wednesday and Friday,” shared Cowan.

She pointed out issues such as dust and grime accumulating between benches, rust forming on newly built additions, as well as many hard-to-reach spots missing a weekly clean, such as corners and the backs of toilets.

She also expressed concerns about mold and a build-up of hair and dirt.

“We've got to look after it because little things get to be big things,” shared Cowan.

She shared that she in no way wishes to complain about the Town, staff, or the facility, but wants to look out for herself and other residents.

This was when she chose to involve local councillors.

Last week, Cowan met with Regional Councillor Christina Early for Wards 1, 2, and 3, as well as Commissioner of Engineering, Public Works, and Transportation Commissioner D'Amico.

“I am always grateful to residents who take the time to advocate for positive changes in our community. Recently, concerns were raised regarding cleanliness and rust corrosion at the newly built Caledon East Community Centre. This important feedback helped bring much‑needed attention to the issue,” Councillor Early told the Citizen.

Early shared that working together with Commissioner D'Amico, they were able to strengthen maintenance standards, and an RFP is now underway to secure a new cleaning service for the facility.

A request for proposal (RFP) is a document by a government, business, or organization that announces a new project and invites contractors or vendors to submit their bids.

“Many thanks to Ms. Cowan for her advocacy and dedication in helping to ensure our community spaces are well cared for and welcoming for all,” shared Councillor Early.

Cowan shared she is hopeful following the RFP, as she shared “this is a huge facility, it's a huge amount of work”, and that a cleaning company will be able to tackle it properly.

“Don't be afraid. If you see it, speak up. I don't think we should just accept things as they are. Because a health facility, we never know what we can pick up,” says Cowan. “We just have to be careful everywhere. Hygiene is paramount.”

Cowan shared that she is very optimistic about the situation and its progress forward. 

“Thanks to Christina [Early] and the Commissioner,” says Cowan. “I appreciated them coming over, and I do appreciate the time that staff have given.”

Some suggestions Cowan has for the facility include that staff monitor all those entering the pool and ensure they shower first.

As well as “staff being assigned to check regularly and pick up garbage (including lockers), as well as wipe spills, staff should also be assigned to the locker/change/wash rooms and washrooms, with a record of cleaning maintained and posted”.