Following a public vote on the top five restrooms in the country, Cintas Canada has crowned the bathrooms at the 1000 Islands Duty Free Shop in Lansdowne, Ont. as Canada’s Best Restroom. The finalists were chosen based on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements.
Every year, the Cintas Canada team of survey editors accepts nominations for the best public bathrooms from across the country and narrows it down to the top five. After that, the public must vote on their favourite Canadian restroom.
“Our finalists are businesses who truly understand that ensuring their washrooms are ready and inviting for visitors reflects their overall business and their commitment to customer service,” said Leslie Molin, Cintas Canada’s senior marketing manager, in a press release. “This year’s winner has gone above and beyond to provide the best experience to its customers.”
The winning restroom was completely renovated just over one year ago, which was a collaborative design between the mother-son owners, Heather Howard and Jeff Butler.
“We wanted to thank our customers by providing them with washrooms that would exceed their expectations, not only in terms of cleanliness but also in terms of design,” said owner and manager Jeff Butler, in a press release. “When we decided to update them last fall, we knew it had to be something special.”
The bathroom was designed to mirror the sights of nature that the town is known for. The men’s bathroom uses earth tones and features wooden accents, designed to evoke a hunting or fishing trip. The ladies’ room features glamourous red glass sinks and polished granite accents.
“In the summer months, the washrooms see up to 1,500 people a day,” said Butler. “In addition to keeping the restrooms clean and functional, we want customers to tell their friends about their experience after they leave. I’ve had people come to me after their visit to the ladies’ room just to tell me how beautiful it was or comment on the design. It’s great to hear that kind of feedback after all the work that’s gone into making our washrooms shine.”
As its prize for winning the title of Canada’s Best Restroom, 1000 Islands Duty Free will receive an official plaque signifying its win and a place in the Cintas Canada’s Best Restroom hall of Fame. The shop will also receive a prize of $2,500 in Cintas products and services.
The other businesses and facilities nominated as Canada’s Best Restroom are BNA Brewing Company & Eatery in Kelowna, B.C. in second place; Tommyfield Gastropub in Calgary, Alb. in third place; Edmonton Renaissance Hotel in Edmonton, Alb. in fourth place; and Bank & Baron P.U.B. in Calgary, Alb. in fifth place.
