Ghent Requires Accessible Restrooms at Public Events

Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ghent mandates accessible restrooms at large public events. Alderman Joris Vandenbroucke, with support from Inter, ensures facilities meet standards for wheelchair access, safety, and comfort for all visitors.

As VRT News reported, Ghent is introducing new rules to make public events more accessible. They mentioned that large events held in public spaces must now provide restrooms that are accessible to people with disabilities. 

Alderman Joris Vandenbroucke of For Ghent said this requirement will be included in a covenant for organisations that receive support from the city. It will also be required for anyone applying for a permit to occupy public space. The announcement came after a question from Vandenbroucke’s party colleague Bruno Matthys. 

“The city is continuing to focus on accessibility, and we certainly applaud that,”

says Bart Parmentier of the Flemish expertise centre Inter.

“Ghent has already taken many steps, for example, during the Ghent Festivities. There, they focused on creating an experience for people with disabilities. Ghent is a good example here, too.”

What steps is Ghent taking to make public events fully accessible?

Officials mentioned that the accessible restrooms must meet specific standards to help people with mobility challenges. They need enough space for wheelchair users to move around freely and safely. Grab rails must be installed to provide extra support. Vandenbroucke said that small details, such as proper lighting and clear signage, also improve comfort for all visitors.

Ghent says the new rule for accessible restrooms will not apply to all events. Alderman Joris Vandenbroucke explained that smaller initiatives, such as neighbourhood parties, often do not have on-site restrooms. 

He mentioned that most visitors at these events live nearby, so permanent facilities are usually not needed. Vandenbroucke said this approach allows smaller gatherings to remain inclusive without creating impractical demands for organisers.

“This is a ‘good practice’ that other local authorities can also adopt. We will certainly follow this closely. In any case, all other local authorities can contact us for advice on accessible measures,”

says Alderman Vandenbroucke.

The city’s expertise centre will now promote Ghent’s accessibility approach more widely. The rule requires that accessible restrooms must be free at events organised by the city and at events run by organisations receiving municipal support. For other events occupying public spaces, organisers may be asked to contribute to costs, but accessible facilities remain mandatory. 

Ghent has been steadily improving accessibility in public spaces over the past few years. In 2021, the city introduced a policy requiring all newly built or renovated public toilets to be fully accessible, gender-inclusive, and family-friendly. This rule covers all 185 public toilets in Ghent, ensuring that people with disabilities, families with young children, and other visitors can use the facilities. 

The city has also invested in accessible infrastructure at key locations, including Gent-Sint-Pieters train station, which now features ramps, elevators, and fully accessible restrooms.