Here’s how you can be the designer of Toronto public washrooms

Never thought I’d be typing this sentence but, the future of public washrooms is in your hands, Toronto. Yep, you read that right! The Toronto Public Space Committee is holding a competition where all are asked to propose their design solutions for “inclusive, innovative public washrooms in Toronto.”

The best part? There are cash prizes for the winners. Here’s what you need to know.

According to The Toronto Public Space Committee, “Despite the necessity of public washrooms, Toronto has a severe shortage, leaving many residents—particularly unhoused individuals, gig workers, families, and people with disabilities—without access to this fundamental urban infrastructure.”

“This competition seeks bold ideas that integrate spatial justice, accessibility, sustainability, and cultural inclusion into the design of a multi-user washroom hub and single-user washroom, adaptable to different locations throughout the city,” the committee continues.

Participants are tasked with designing a network of public washrooms for the City of Toronto, which needs to include:

• One single-user toilet (#1), washroom designed to be flexible for installation at multiple sites
• One multi-user hub (#2) washroom sited at Dufferin King Parkette

So, who can submit a design? The competition is actually open to anyone, globally. The only restrictions are on employees or family members of sponsors, jury members, and the TPSC design competition team.

To enter, you must pay a $25 fee to participate. There’s an early bird price of $15 until March 2. All entries must be submitted with payment by 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2025.

As for the cash prizes, they will be awarded to the top three competition winners. The winners will also have their work published in Toronto’s Spacing Magazine and showcased along with selected entries in a public exhibition in Toronto in July 2025.​​ First price is $1,500, second prize is $500, and third prize is also $500. 

Results will be revealed in June, 2025. Happy designing, Toronto.

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