What Public Washrooms?

Except for those in some of the subway stations and in city parks, I am sure there might be some washrooms run by the city, I am at a loss to know where they are located. Washrooms in malls can be considered public but they are owned by the mall developers not the city/public. I have been in many city parks and as a rule the washrooms are not readily available to the public. So I have to give the city an F when it comes to public washrooms.

Voices: Public toilets

Oct. 9, 2006. 05:51 PM

We asked you how you would rate Toronto's public toilets. Here's what you had to say.

I've always found that the washrooms in the lobbies of hotels are the best. They never know if you are a guest or "would-be guest" who might book a wedding or convention. They are always spotless and working -- it is their "impression" at work. The family restrooms at Sherway Gardens are pretty good too.
Barry Pletch, Toronto

I've been in some pretty nasty washrooms in Toronto. Maybe they should take a trip on the interstate in Iowa or Michigan and have a look at their facilities. Some are so immaculate and shiny you can see yourself in the floors.
Shawn Stemmler, Brantford

Both Toronto and Brampton toilets have become disgusting over the last five years. It is sad that when you have a toddler and you are visiting a popular attraction, i.e. Ontario Place, Wonderland, Toronto Island, you need two or three to help you with your toddler so that he/she can go use the bathroom. It is nauseating.
Sonia Vella, Brampton

Just another example of Toronto's attempt to do things on the cheap. 'Great' cities take pride in providing a positive overall image in any and every department - including their public facilities. Not only is this key for tourists but even more importantly, it is vital to have decent facilities for all users.
Tero Konttinen, London

It is true that many of Toronto's washrooms are disgusting, it is also true that the city just doesn’t have enough resources to clean them regularly. Other 'world-class' cities also face the same problem, the easiest solution is to charge people on a per-use basis, which is done in places all over the world. Evan a small fee (25-50 cents) at a high usage washroom such as Bloor and Yonge would be sufficient to pay for full time workers.
Pawel Grezlikowski, Toronto

Not enough. If we want to be a tourist attraction then we need more accessible washrooms. Europe has concrete-built, one person, "port-a-pottys" for $1, all around the cities. In Toronto you need to ask a retailer (who usually says NO!) or go in a park. It is impossible to find public restrooms in Toronto, unless you are in a mall. When I travelled the subway, most restrooms were closed.
Mary Stratton, Toronto

Disgusting. However, I believe the real problem is the people who are using them. Would they leave that kind of mess in their own bathroom at home? It's just another symptom of the general lack of consideration for others that people display in public places. If people would just follow the Golden Rule, 75 per cent of the problem would be eradicated.
Carolyn Hood, Toronto

Thank you for doing this poll. This summer I took a European guest to Centre Island. Everything was lovely until we used the ladies' room. The stench was terrible, the floor was wet (we don't want to know what the liquid was) and the place was a mess. My guest had been talking about Toronto's attraction as a tourist destination a few minutes earlier. The stench silenced her.
Beverley Trull, Ashburn, Ont.

Bad design contributes to the problem and so does the new obsession with privacy. Decades ago, a "Men’s Room" had private stalls with doors for sit-down relief and a big open trough, or a row of wide to-the-floor urinals for stand-up activities. Guys who insist on privacy can go into a cubicle and those in a hurry can stand. The urinal was not a dainty little thing requiring exquisite aim, but rather a massive catch basin you can't miss.
Denbigh Patton, Toronto

The public toilets are generally good in my experience. The TTC has some of the dirtiest.
James Burey, Mississauga

The only public toilets I will ever use are the ones located inside a shopping mall. I will avoid the TTC toilets totally.
Jett Chow, Toronto

I think the public washrooms should be run like those in Germany and Holland; an attendant sits at the entrance and you cannot enter until you pay her $1. She is also the one that keeps them clean as well. It works. All the public washrooms there are usually spotless. Plus it pays for itself with a dollar per pee.
Gwendolen Limbertie, Toronto

I drive a TTC bus and our employee washrooms are the worst I have ever seen. They’re cleaned once a day even though they are used thousands of times.
Grant Wintle, Oshawa

The solution to keeping heavily used toilets clean is simple: Employ a full-time cleaner and charge 25 cents per use like they do in Europe. This should pay for the hourly wage of the cleaner and also pay for supplies.
Jason Odok, Toronto

Some of the public washrooms in Toronto make me feel like I’m in a third-world country.
Peter Nadorvolgyi, Toronto