It can be a frustrating experience in the city of Toronto when you’re out and about running around midtown (literally) and the sudden need for a washroom arises. 

Apparently, T.O.’s first public toilet was built in 1885. We used to make this a priority. The city had public roadside washrooms, but the last one closed almost a century ago. Recently, unless you were in a public park or a city centre of some sort, you might be out of luck. Even many subway stations lack proper facilties.

So we have become a city that treasures its secret public washroom locales. 

In Yorkville, maybe you’ll sneak into the Park Hyatt’s lobby loo. Hotels are great spots for bathroom breaks but are few and far between.

The city does require retailers with more than 300 square metres of space to provide a separate washroom for men and women. Think Pottery Barn, Holt Renfrew and other stores of similar size and quality. One can usually count on a fine experience. 

The second rung is the fast-food outlets. Starbucks tends to be roomier, cleaner and private. Other outlets of choice include Tim Hortons and McDonald’s.

The City has fancy new automated toilets, but the plan only calls for just 20 over the next 20 years. And, last month, a new public toilet (pictured above) was opened along the Beltline Trail in Mount Pleasant Cemetery much to the relief of many beleaguered runners. 

Surprisingly, there is no app to locate public washrooms. Not yet, anyway.