by Brianna Crandall — December 21, 2015—Travelers from across North America have come to appreciate the “swell farewell” offered by the washrooms at the 1000 Islands Duty Free Shop in Lansdowne, Ontario, and Cintas Canada recently publicly honored them as “Canada’s Best Restroom.”
Each year, the survey editors at Cintas Canada accept nominations of the best public washrooms from across the country in terms of both cleanliness and design, and narrow it down to the top five. From there, the public casts their vote on who they think should be named “the best loo in the land.”
Cintas Canada’s senior marketing manager, Leslie Molin, pointed out:
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. This year’s winner has gone above and beyond to provide the best experience to its customers.
The washrooms at the 1000 Islands Duty Free Shop were completely renovated just over a year ago. The update was a collaborative design between the mother-son owners Heather Howard and Jeff Butler, who wanted to thank their customers by providing something special.
Designed to mirror the sights of nature the town is known for, the men’s washroom is accented with earth tones and wooden features, similar to what one would see on a hunting or fishing trip. The ladies’ room is more sophisticated, with glamorous glass red sinks and polished granite accents.
Owner and manager Jeff Butler noted,
In the summer months, the washrooms see up to 1,500 people a day. 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.
In addition to the official Canada’s Best Restroom plaque of recognition and securing a place in the Cintas Canada’s Best Restroom Hall of Fame, 1000 Islands Duty Free will also receive a prize of $2,500 in Cintas products and services, which will help keep the facility “ready for the workday at an award-winning level,” says Cintas.
The 2015 finalists were selected based on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements. Voting results were:
- First Place: 1000 Islands Duty Free, Lansdowne, ON
- Second Place: BNA Brewing Company & Eatery, Kelowna, BC
- Third Place: Tommyfield Gastropub, Calgary, AB
- Fourth Place: Edmonton Renaissance Hotel, Edmonton, AB
- Fifth Place: Bank & Baron P.U.B., Calgary, AB
Photos and descriptions of past winners and top nominees are available on the Cintas Canada’s Best Restroom Contest Hall of Fame Web page. While on the site, visitors can determine their own restroom style by taking a short personality quiz.
