WATCH ABOVE: Public washrooms don’t usually get a lot of attention, but one contest is awarding those whose stalls stand out from the rest. Lisa Wolansky checks them out.
EDMONTON — The search for Canada’s best restroom is underway and three of the five finalists are located in Alberta.
Each year, Cintas Canada asks for nominations for the best place to visit the loo. Lavatories are judged based on five criteria: cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements.
“It is exciting to see more and more businesses getting behind the message we strive to convey,” said Leslie Molin, Cintas Canada’s senior marketing manager.
The list has been narrowed down to five finalists:
Renaissance Airport Hotel: Edmonton, AB
This bathroom features black tiled walls, marble sinks and full-length mirrors. From wall art to a full-size couch, ruby red lips are the statement throughout the hotel washroom. Plush red stools, red counters and personal vanity mirrors provide a polished place for travellers to freshen up while on the go.
“This one-of-a-kind washroom has the in-style traveller in mind, and will leave you feeling refreshed and pampered,” said Cintas.
Tommyfield Gastro Pub: Calgary, AB
This washroom inside the UK-inspired pub takes bathroom-goers on a trip across the pond. Each private stall is inside an iconic English telephone booth and the walls of the restroom are lined with pictures of Old England.
“Whether it be enjoying a fulfilling dinner downstairs or catching the game upstairs, a trip to the washrooms truly tops off this double-decker experience,” said Cintas.
Bank and Baron Pub: Calgary, AB
Located in an 84-year-old building, this pub washroom features original details including the ceiling, mouldings and light fixtures. The mirrors are gold-trimmed, which dazzle on top of the room’s shining silver leaf wallpaper.
“Dark wooded stalls and marbled countertops are the perfect accent to top off this stylish trip to the restroom,” Cintas said.
BNA Brewing Company & Eatery: Kelowna, B.C.
Located in a building that was once home to the British North American Tobacco Company, this bathroom has a modern look, but maintains its heritage. The lavatory features bulbs around the mirrors and exposed brick. The upstairs washroom is unisex and maintains the same feel “but builds off the playful atmosphere of the pub,” Cintas said. There are entrances on both sides of the bathroom and a trough-style sink.
“The washroom was the vision of the restaurant owner herself, with no detail overlooked,” Cintas said.
1000 Islands Duty Free: Lansdowne, Ont
This duty free shop is often the last pit stop for travellers leaving Canada for the United States. Cintas said the washroom is clean, inviting and incredibly well designed.
“The store boasts great deals on merchandise and a friendly spot for families to freshen up on their way home. It’s even advertised on their website,” said Cintas.
The public will choose the winner through an online vote. You have until Oct. 9 to have your say on which washroom is your favourite at bestrestroom.com.
Last year’s winner was the Shaw Club Hotel and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.
A Shell Super Station washroom in Valleyview, AB took the top prize in 2013.
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