As summer continues, public spaces across Canada expect a seasonal surge in visitors, with many sites seeing record-high interest from tourists. Banff National Park saw a record 4.28 million visits in 2023/24, with the Lake Louise area experiencing up to a 70 per cent increase in visitation since 2013.
For facility managers, this is a critical time to ensure that teams are prepared for the summer surge and that their spaces are clean, safe, and welcoming. And the stakes are high: cleanliness is no longer just a matter of aesthetics – it’s a core part of the visitor experience.
So, what is the best way to get ramped up for peak season? Recent conversations with Gathering Place – a 66.5-acre U.S. riverfront park in Oklahoma – have been illuminating and inspired us to develop this peak season cleanliness checklist for facility managers:
- Audit hygiene infrastructure and optimize for efficiency
Before the crowds arrive, take a hard look at your hygiene infrastructure. Are your restrooms, handwashing stations, and waste bins not only clean, but also strategically placed and easy to access? Are they stocked consistently and monitored in real time? These foundational elements can make or break a visitor’s experience.
At Gathering Place, this philosophy is operationalized through regular ISSA audits and a “see something, say something” culture. “Cleanliness sets the tone for the entire guest experience—from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave,” says Julio Badin, Executive Director. “If we say it matters, then we have to be bold enough to follow through.”
Pro tip: Communicate your hygiene protocols clearly through signage, digital platforms, or staff interactions. Transparency builds trust and reassures visitors.
- Empower staff to be stewards of cleanliness
Even the best systems fall short without a motivated, well-trained team behind them. Empowering your staff means more than assigning tasks – it’s about cultivating a sense of ownership and pride in the work they do.
At Gathering Place, this starts with comprehensive training programs that go beyond the basics. Custodians are equipped with tools and resources that help them understand not just how to clean, but why their role is essential to the guest experience. “Our custodial work is all done in-house,” says Badin. “Every custodian takes pride in their role.” That pride is evident in every detail, from spotless restrooms to sensory-friendly cleaning supplies and accessible changing areas.
- Consider whether your space is accommodating to a range of visitors
The people who use public spaces represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds, life experiences, and needs, including a broad range of health conditions and personal circumstances. While some of these conditions are visible, many are not, and it’s essential to recognize that both can significantly influence how someone experiences a facility. Unfortunately, invisible conditions are often overlooked in the design and operation of public environments. For instance, a person on the autism spectrum who is sensitive to sound may have a distressing experience in a restroom filled with loud air dryers, something that could deter them from returning or recommending the facility to others. Additionally, someone with arthritis may have difficulty operating a hand towel dispenser.
This idea of “inclusive hygiene” is a critical consideration for facility managers. Being mindful of these needs is necessary to create spaces that are truly welcoming and accessible to all. Starting to think about the changes you can make to drive inclusive hygiene in your space can start small – from playing calm music in restrooms to mask sounds, to installing dispensers that are certified easy-to-use for people with reduced hand function. Small incremental changes can make a big difference for visitors during peak seasons and beyond.
The lasting power of an exceptional facility
As Badin puts it, “When you go above and beyond, it matters and people take notice.” Cleanliness is not just a task – it’s a statement of care, inclusion, and excellence. For Canadian facility managers staying prepared for the high-traffic summer season, the message is clear: spotless spaces are the foundation of unforgettable experiences.
Katrin “Kat” Ferge is the North American Regional Marketing Manager for Professional Hygiene – Commercial segment at Essity. In her role, she is focused on Essity’s professional hygiene brand Tork and helping businesses including office buildings, recreational facilities, passenger terminals and educational institutions leverage better hygiene for better business performance. She has more than 15 years of experience in brand communications and marketing.
Photo caption: A facility team member at Gathering Place Public Park ensures that trash receptacles are ready for use by guests. Photo Credit: Gathering Place Public Park.
