On Friday, the Beach neighbourhood will recieve its very own automated public toilet. The new unit will be installed on Lake Shore Boulevard East at Northern Dancer Boulevard

Using the washroom costs 25 cents and each patron is afforded 20 minutes per use. After someone is done using the unit, it automatically seals itself and starts a self-cleaning cycle – those envisioning a situation in which they become locked in the unit need no worry; the unit has several sensors to ensure that it is empty before cleaning itself. In addition, city staff will visit each washroom three times a day to ensure that it is as clean as possible.

This is the second automated public toilet to appear in Toronto – the first is located at Queens Quay Boulevard and Rees Street, and has been in operation since 2010. The City of Toronto plans to eventually install 20 such toilets over the course of 20 years as a part of its street furniture program.  

So, um, why not celebrate this momentous occasion by, you know, using the toilet if you happen to be in the neighbourhood. 

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Igor Bonifacic is a writer working for the Toronto Standard. You can follow him on twitter at @igorbonifacic.