Should the toilet have its own water closet in an Ottawa master?

In Ottawa master bathrooms, a separate water closet (enclosed toilet compartment) is not required by the Ontario Building Code — but it's one of the most requested upgrades we see in master bath renovations, and for good reason.

The OBC doesn't mandate toilet enclosures in residential bathrooms, so from a pure compliance standpoint, your toilet can sit in an open-concept bathroom layout without any issue. That said, the decision really comes down to your lifestyle, resale goals, and how the space is being shared. If two people are getting ready simultaneously — one showering, one at the vanity — a water closet adds a level of privacy and functionality that most couples genuinely appreciate once they have it.

From a design perspective, water closets work best when you have the square footage to justify them. The minimum comfortable water closet is roughly 36" wide × 66" deep, which gives you adequate clearance on either side of the toilet and enough depth to close the door comfortably. The OBC requires a minimum of 500mm (about 20") from the toilet centerline to any side wall or obstruction, but that's the bare minimum — 15" to 18" from centerline to each side feels much more livable. If your master bath is on the smaller side (under 80–90 sq ft), carving out a water closet can make the remaining space feel cramped, so it's worth weighing the trade-off carefully.

On the resale side, Ottawa buyers in the mid-to-upper market increasingly expect water closets in primary suites, particularly in homes priced above $700K–$800K. It's become a standard feature in that segment, and its absence can be a minor sticking point for buyers who've toured newer builds. If you're renovating with resale in mind in the next 5–10 years, it's worth the investment.

Cost-wise, adding a water closet as part of a larger master bath renovation in Ottawa typically adds $2,500–$6,000 to the project, depending on whether it requires moving plumbing, adding a pocket door or barn door, and the finish level of the enclosure. A simple partition with a pocket door on the lower end; a fully tiled enclosure with its own ventilation fan on the higher end. Note that if you're adding a separate exhaust fan to the water closet, that electrical work will require an ESA permit.

If you're planning a master bath renovation and want to talk through whether the layout supports a water closet, Justyn Rook Contracting offers free consultations — we can look at your existing footprint and give you an honest answer on whether it makes sense for your space and budget.