Overview
The public container washroom in Tobias Mason Park is the first pilot project for the City of Mississauga to explore cost-effective ways to provide washrooms to the public.
Following public consultation in 2021, the public washroom was constructed in 2023. Through the project and the City’s public art program, a graphic vinyl wrap was installed on the exterior of the public washroom in 2024. Titled “Boundless Flight,” the artwork takes inspiration from local marshland species and reflects nearby play structures like splash pads, a baseball diamond and a soccer field.
The City conducted a survey in January 2025 to gather feedback on how the public washroom meets the needs of visitors. The responses were positive, as the washroom benefits park users of all ages and the local community.
Staff will record and consider the following feedback for future washroom programs:
- Design and integration with the surrounding environment
- Winter use
The public container washroom will remain available at Tobias Mason Park.
About the facility
The washroom is in a shipping container close to Terragar Boulevard, near the park’s existing spray pad, playground, and sports fields. The shipping container is 20 feet in length and has a standard width of 8 feet.
The washroom design goal was to be accessible, safe, durable and easy to clean. The facility features two barrier-free, universal washroom stalls and energy-efficient electrical and plumbing.
Seasonal operations
The washroom is cleaned daily during the spring, summer and fall. The washroom is not open during the winter season.
Shipping containers
Shipping containers are repurposed to build many things – from homes to park washrooms. They offer a practical and versatile solution and are very durable.
Planning criteria
The City chose Tobias Mason Park as a suitable location for the pilot based on the following guidelines:
- The site’s existing park facilities include a playground, two soccer fields, a softball diamond and a spray pad, which attract long visits
- There’s no public washroom within walking distance of the park (for example, in a nearby community centre or library)
- The seasonal washroom pilot fits within existing available, non-programmed space
- The park’s Open Space OS2 Zoning permits washrooms
- The park has suitable Fire and Emergency Services access
- The park’s existing grades are relatively flat so that no extensive grading was needed
Contact
For more information on the project, call 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits).
