High Park Washroom

Type: Community - Recreational

Client: City of Toronto

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Status: In progress

High Park, one of Toronto's largest public parks, has been a cherished space for residents and visitors since its opening in 1876. Its significance was further elevated in 1959 when Japan generously donated cherry blossom (Sakura) trees, turning it into a magnet for local and international visitors during the blooming season.

While the park currently contains seven public washrooms, the surge in visitors, especially during the cherry blossom spectacle in spring, prompted the City of Toronto to task SOCA with renovating and expanding the facility near the trees. The goal was to not only accommodate increased foot traffic but also transition the washrooms from seasonal to year-round operations.

Toronto’s public park infrastructure, featuring a distinctive green-coloured roof and brick facade in the Arts and Crafts style, was originally designed by the Department of Buildings for the Parks Department and has become an icon of its own over the past century. Our conceptual design for the renovated project maintains its spirit of simplicity while introducing modern elements. The roof consolidated into a concise hip design with an extended canopy, providing shelter from the elements. The building is cladded with new, durable materials that ensure longevity and ease of cleaning. With walls boasting an insulating value of R-40, the washrooms achieve an industry-standard thermal performance. A cherry blossom motif is incorporated into the colour and design of the fiber-cement panels.

The revitalized space encourages community engagement with a spacious opening and a large inviting bench, challenging the conventional perception of public washrooms as mere functional spaces. The washrooms have been transformed into gender-neutral rooms and a universal washroom, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and safety for the diverse public. The High Park washroom renovation endeavors to redefine the role of a public facility in a growing city, creating a resilient and welcoming destination that fosters a sense of community.