Canada’s Best Restroom Contest: Edmonton Restaurant Makes Top 5

I used to scoff at best restroom categories on lists until I traveled through countries where finding a bathroom with a toilet seat, or a lock on the door—or sometimes even a door—gave cause for celebration. A contortionist’s position of trying to hold the door shut with one foot while balancing over a seatless toilet gets painful real quick so, I’ve since changed my tune on restroom lists: I like reading them as much as I like coming across nicely appointed, clean, secure washrooms.

Edmonton is making headlines (again!) with the announcement that Dorinku, a Whyte Avenue izakaya, has made the top 5 finalists in the Cintas Canada’s Best Restroom Contest. Is there no stopping us!? Fun fact: Last year’s winner, the Whitecourt Esso Super Station in Whitecourt, Alberta, won top spot for its cool lighting, snazzy tiles and slick countertops.  Go, ‘berta!

Check out Dorinku’s jazzy johns:

“Inspired by Tokyo Street Culture, this Japanese pub welcomes its guests with original Japanese dishes and a unique atmosphere. Anime figurines are encased in the walls leading to the washrooms, where patrons are surrounded by a serene décor. The warm wood grains of the vanity and walls are balanced with modern, bold coloured, soap and paper towel dispensers. Taking hygiene to the next level, Dorinku offers patrons options like complimentary mouthwash, bidet style toilets and touchless faucets.” — Mulberry Marketing Communications

Have a look at the other four contenders and make sure you vote for your favourite washroom at www.bestrestroom.com/canada, now through Sept. 8.

Bayview Shopping Centre — Toronto, Ontario
Bayview Shopping Centre guests are welcomed with chic chandeliers at the restroom entrance. Its washrooms feature fully enclosed stalls, each with its own touch free toilet, faucet and hand dryer. There is a nursing room equipped with a changing station and sink, as well as two cushioned chairs. The washrooms also include stylish sconces on both sides of its classy hand washing basins.

New City Gas Night Club — Montreal, Québec
The washrooms at New City Gas reflect the trendy atmosphere of one of Montreal’s hottest venues. The washrooms resemble a Turkish bath with a communal water fountain to wash your hands. Decorative mosaic tiles line the walls while colourful LED lights illuminate the industrial space.

Renaissance Hotel — Montreal, Québec
The five individual bathrooms at the lobby level of the new Renaissance Montreal Downtown have a personality of their own. No matter which one guests choose, they will experience something unique and different. The designs are meant to provoke and intrigue guests, whether they walk into a world from Alice in Wonderland or enter a washroom with glitzy copper piping.

Spring Grill House Restaurant — Hamilton, Ontario
The spotless and stylish washrooms at Spring Grill House feature sleek, grey wall and floor tiles. Beautiful lace leaf flowers adorn individual marble water basins that sit in between modern, backlit wall artwork. The washrooms also include modern toilets and urinals, which are separated by dark panels.

The five finalists were selected based on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements. The winner will receive the royal restroom treatment from Cintas with $2,500 in facility services to help keep their restrooms Ready for the Workday®.

For contest updates, fun facts and bathroom trivia, “Like” Canada’s Best Restroom on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/CanadasBestRestroom.

Now, don’t you feel better knowing this?