The Best And Worst Public Washrooms In Toronto: Why Are The TTC Stations So Bad?

On Tuesday, we revealed some of the most disgusting public washrooms in the city of Toronto. And we learned that many of the suggestions you sent in all lead us in the same direction – the subway.

Kennedy and Kipling Stations were among the most often cited as in poor shape, with the general mess, broken locks and the smell all being mentioned as particular offenders. Why can’t the Red Rocket do a better job of tending to these johnnys-on-the-spot?

“Our big challenge is that these are washrooms that are used by tens of thousands of people everyday,” admits TTC chair Adam Giambrone.

“Oh, they could be vastly improved,” chided one commuter.

And Giambrone agrees.

The transit body’s budget for 2009 includes cash to hire 20 more maintenance staff – but that’s not all.

“We’re totally gutting the bathrooms,” Giambrone explains.

The new set-up will see each washroom divided into two sections, so one can remain open while crews clean the other half. And the first station to see an improvement will be Eglinton.

Which subway stations have washrooms? Here’s the list:

Spadina Line
Downsview
Wilson

Yonge-University Line
Bloor-Yonge
Eglinton
Finch

Bloor-Danforth Line
Kipling
Warden
Kennedy

Sheppard Line
Sheppard-Yonge
Don Mills

And while it’s often easier to complain that compliment, we also asked you about the facilities in the city where you don’t mind going, with washrooms that are well maintained and offer a level of cleanliness you’d expect to find in your own home.

Here are just a few of your bouquets that prove when the going gets tough, the tough don’t mind going here:

“The St. Regis Crystal showroom and office in Markham has a guest bathroom on the main floor. It is more like a spa, than a bathroom. Anyone would be honoured to use it. Their address is 271 Yorktech Drive … I have a meeting there on Friday morning, and can’t wait!!”
Cheryl Anzellotti

And if she really has to go, it might not be healthy to wait, either.

Next, is a place with a familiar name:

“I’d have to say the Starbucks on St. Clair off of Keele Street. That place has the bathroom pristine all the time. I’m there every day, and I’ve never seen any toilet paper on the floor, it always smells clean and is equipped with toilet seat covers, enough toilet paper and hand towels and soap. This is a very busy location and it’s a relief that in spite of that they still manage to keep the bathroom as decent looking as the sitting area!”
Shadia Saad

Some you of couldn’t find just one place that fit and gave us a list of loos.

“My picks:
1. The Royal York Hotel
2. The King Edward Hotel
3. Richtree Market Restaurant in Brookfield Place”
Cindy Gerz

And then there’s this porcelain pleaser, which sounds like a place you might like to linger a little longer when nature calls.

“The ladies’ room at the Manulife Centre. I can’t afford to shop there much, but I’ll go out of my way to use that washroom if I’m the Yonge/Bloor area. It’s spacious; the fixtures and decor are gorgeous; there are always fresh flowers; there’s classical music on the stereo; and – most importantly – it’s unbelievably clean, no matter when you visit.

“One of the custodians is usually in there, keeping things clean, and they’ll always greet you with a smile. Whatever they’re getting paid, it’s not enough.”
Catherine MacDonald

Now all we need to do is find out if the men;s room is a similar match. Thanks for all your emails and flushing out these locations.