UPDATE: On Oct. 12, Toronto’s Bayview shopping centre won the title of best bathroom. Edmonton’s Dorinku Restaurant took third prize.
You could call it an annual “toilet tradition.” Every year, Cintas runs Canada’s Best Restroom Contest and this year, a Japanese pub in Edmonton, a mall in Toronto and a nightclub in Montreal are in the running.
READ MORE: Alberta gas station bathroom wins 2016 best restroom contest
Five bathrooms were named as finalists on Tuesday. They were chosen based on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements.
Dorinku restaurant (Edmonton)
This Japanese pub is inspired by Tokyo street culture. Anime figurines decorate the walls leading to the washrooms where customers are surrounded by serene decor.
Warm wood features are balanced with modern, bold coloured accessories.
Dorinku offers patrons bidet-style toilets, touchless faucets and complimentary mouthwash.
Manager Gunho Park was surprised to hear the news.
“It’s the hallway here,” he said. “We brought this Pachinko machine straight from Japan, all these small toys and figures straight from Japan. This comic book wall was handmade — we just bought the comic books, rip it, glue it, one by one — it’s all handmade. I think this part is the most interesting area of the washroom.”
WATCH: The washrooms at New City Gas resemble a Turkish bath, complete with a communal water fountain – but is that enough to be crowned Canada’s Best Restroom? Global’s Paola Samuel finds out what it takes to dethrone last year’s winner
He said customers — especially younger ones — like to take photos in front of the display leading to the restrooms.
Park is grateful for the honour and is already setting his sights on more accolades.
“It feels very nice but it would have been better if we were nominated for the actual restaurant, the food, not the washroom, but it’s still very cool.”
Bayview shopping centre (Toronto)
Guests to the mall restroom are greeted by chic chandeliers and stylish sconces on both sides of the elegant hand-washing basins.
Facilities feature fully enclosed stalls with touch-free toilets, faucets and hand dryers.
The restroom also has a nursing room with a changing station and sink, along with two cushioned chairs.
New City Gas (Montreal)
The washrooms at this live music venue in Montreal resemble a Turkish bath with a communal water fountain for hand washing.
The vibe inside reflects the trendy atmosphere of the bar itself, with decorative mosaic tiles and colourful LED lights.
Renaissance Montreal Downtown Hotel (Montreal)
Each of the five individual bathrooms in the lobby of the new downtown Montreal hotel have a personality of their own.
The designs are meant to “provoke and intrigue” guests, whether they walk into a world of Alice in Wonderland or a restroom decked out in glitzy copper piping.
Spring Grill House restaurant (Hamilton)
Marble water basins, sleek grey tiles and lace leaf flower designs make these Hamilton washrooms stylish and spotless.
The modern artwork is back lit on the walls, adding to the ambience.
The washrooms also include modern toilets and urinals, which are separated by dark panels.
“We’re proud to showcase this year’s finalists who recognize the significant role clean and unique washrooms play in a positive customer experience,” Cintas assistant marketing manager Candice Raynsford said. “We encourage the public to support their favourite finalist as we get ready to crown a victor.”
Members of the public can vote online for their top bathroom choice until Sept. 8.
The winner will receive $2,500 in facility services to help keep their restrooms top notch.
READ MORE: Whitecourt gas station bathroom voted among Canada’s best
Last year, the Esso Super Station in Whitecourt, Alta. took home the honours.
Restrooms there boast decorative lighting, eye-catching wall tiles and sleek counter tops.
Watch below: Global Edmonton weather specialist Kevin O’Connell barely made it through his morning weather forecast after cracking up over a story about Canada’s best washroom.
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