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Is Toronto's public design in the toilet?

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 22:06 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Toronto to Roll Out a City‑Wide Network of Public Washrooms in Parks

For decades Toronto’s parks have been celebrated for their green space, playgrounds and cultural landmarks, but one essential amenity has remained conspicuously absent: public washrooms. A growing body of research and mounting public pressure has finally convinced the city to act. In a decisive move announced in June 2023, Toronto’s municipal council approved a comprehensive plan to build 30 new washrooms across the city’s parks, a project that will cost roughly $12.5 million and could transform the way residents and visitors experience the city’s green spaces.

The Problem: Lack of Access and Public Health Concerns

Toronto’s parks were designed before the era of “washroom‑friendly” urban planning. Most city residents now know that many popular parks, from High Park to the Toronto Islands, have no public toilets, leaving families, seniors and people with disabilities to make uncomfortable or even hazardous detours. City officials cite the 2020 Toronto Parks Health & Safety Survey, which revealed that 61 % of park users reported “inadequate sanitation facilities.” The lack of washrooms has not only raised concerns about personal hygiene but also contributed to higher rates of littering and “illegal urination” in parks—issues that can erode the city’s reputation as a clean, inclusive environment.

City Councillor Jade Beall‑Sparrow (Ward 4 – Riverdale) noted that “our parks have always been open to everyone, but we cannot be open to people who have to wait in the streets or walk back to their cars to relieve themselves.” The council’s decision follows a series of public consultations, an analysis of municipal budgets, and a review of international best practices in park design.

Design Philosophy: Sustainability, Accessibility and Community Input

The washroom design brief was created by the city’s Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with urban design firm Biosphere Architects. The firm, known for their work on the Toronto City Hall roof gardens, was tasked with creating a model that balances functionality with the aesthetic integrity of the surrounding landscape.

Key design features include:

• Sustainable Materials and Low‑Flow Fixtures: All washrooms will use double‑flush toilets, sensor‑activated faucets and recycled composite panels that reduce water consumption by up to 35 % compared to conventional installations.

• Solar Power and Energy Efficiency: Each unit will be fitted with a small solar array that powers LED lighting, ventilation, and a temperature‑controlled air‑conditioning system.

• Universal Design: Accessible stalls that are wide enough for wheelchairs, with support bars, lowered sinks and braille signage. The washrooms will also have separate “child‑friendly” stalls that feature lower toilets and a “baby‑changing” station.

• Clear Signage and Multi‑Language Labels: The city has pledged to provide signage in English, French, and the top five languages spoken in Toronto, as recommended by the Toronto City Planning Office.

• Maintenance and Hygiene: Self‑cleaning spray systems and a sealed waste‑collection system to reduce the risk of accidental spills or leaks.

The firm also proposed a “park‑specific” approach. For instance, the washroom at the high‑traffic Yorkville Park will be larger and incorporate a small lounge area for seniors, while the washroom at the more secluded Eagle Creek Trail will be built into the natural hillside to blend seamlessly with the environment.

Funding and Implementation

The $12.5 million budget is divided as follows:

The city has earmarked $9 million from the 2024 Municipal Infrastructure Fund and the remaining $3.5 million from a public–private partnership (PPP) with the Toronto Clean Streets Initiative.

Construction is slated to begin in September 2024, with Phase 1—five washrooms in Toronto’s most frequented parks—expected to be completed by June 2025. Phase 2 will focus on the remaining 25 units, with the entire network projected to be operational by early 2027.

City Clerk Maria Valdez explained that the PPP will allow the city to leverage private expertise while retaining long‑term ownership and oversight. “The partnership will reduce upfront costs, and the private sector will handle the maintenance during the initial years, freeing up municipal resources for other community projects,” she said.

Community Response: A Mix of Optimism and Skepticism

Residents and advocacy groups have largely welcomed the plan. Parks for All, a local non‑profit focused on equitable access to green space, released a statement praising the city’s commitment to “public health and inclusivity.” The group also highlighted the importance of the project for the city’s growing immigrant population, who rely on accessible washrooms while navigating Toronto’s busy streets.

On the other hand, some fiscal conservatives expressed concerns about the expense. Councillor Sergio Pacheco (Ward 9 – Etobicoke Centre) asked in a council meeting, “Is this the best use of public funds when we could be expanding public transportation or increasing affordable housing units?” City officials responded that the washrooms would also reduce long‑term costs associated with cleaning up illegal waste and would generate small, but meaningful, economic benefits by encouraging more visitors to spend time—and money—in parks.

Looking Forward: A Blueprint for the Future

Toronto’s public washroom initiative is poised to serve as a model for other North American cities grappling with similar challenges. The city’s Parks & Recreation page outlines a broader vision to integrate “well‑being infrastructure” such as bike‑parking, solar‑powered shelters, and public art installations into parks. In an interview, Dr. Alan Green, the city’s chief parks officer, noted that “the washroom project is just the beginning. We are exploring how to make parks a destination that meets every human need.”

The city’s new washroom design documents are available on the Toronto website under the “Public Works – Parks & Recreation” section. In addition, the council’s minutes from the June 2023 meeting—detailing the approval and budget—can be accessed via the City of Toronto’s open‑data portal.

By prioritizing health, accessibility, and sustainability, Toronto is taking a bold step toward re‑imagining its parks as truly inclusive spaces. Whether this initiative will inspire similar moves across the province remains to be seen, but the city has certainly paved the way—quite literally—for a future where no one has to leave the park for a washroom.