Ok some thoughts from someone who has actually been to Aquarius numerous times.
First some background on the establishment taken from info in this article (
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/good-clean-fun-134168038.html ) and from conversations with with staff and patrons. The owner (and as far as I have been able to confirm is still the owner) came here a couple decades ago, and started Aquarius (or Aq as most patrons call it).
Yes it began as men's only bathhouse, but as the article stated with only 10% of the population being gay a change was needed.
When I made my first visit in 2008 there were four co-ed nights, Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sunday. While the other bath house Adonis was co-ed Mon and Wed, Friday appeared to be men-only at both establishments.
Until 2009 the majority of the general public had no idea places like Aq existed, or fetish events such and the black and blue ball. I often found it entertaining to enlighten "vanilla people" about the wilder side of our city. I have been on a site called Adult Friend Finder for close to two decades, people on that site often had meet and greets at various bars. Aq was always busy after. In this thread there has been mentioned the parties that often took place there. Out of town couples used it like a hotel. After that bar rush was finished, there wasn't a need to turn rooms and people would sleep there. But then there were actual beds. Rooms were $25, there were showers, what more did you need. $50 for a weekend stay was cheaper then any hotel.
Then in fall of 2009 right after Thankgiving someone set a fire, ironically I was going to be there that night evening, but I and my date were too stuffed on Turkey. The "glory days" of Aq were over because now everyone knew it existed. I, like many others, avoided going for almost year after it re-opened. It re-opened with the upper floor of different theme rooms. Around 2012 it went co-ed 24/7. Women brought in more money. It was just a simple wise business decision.
Yes the rooms are well cleaned, I know this from knowing many of the staff. Its hard work, but at times the visual benefits provide perks. The rooms need to be clean for them to have their license. Their license is also the reason they hand out condoms, its up to the patrons to choose to use them or not.
Yes it usually 2/3 men. Yes they will follow you around like rats, but most will ask before they touch. And you can always retreat behind the closed door of your room. And yes i wear sandals, you never know what you might step on in the dark basement.
I will never, ever go alone. I bring my own fun (and yes I am straight). I go when I am in the mood to watch or be watched. Yes for some it is a thrill to hook with a complete stranger and not even know their name. I have only ever played with my date thus far. I have never been propositioned or spoken to anyone who has. As the article stated, WPS fully endorses this establishment as a safe place for people to play. There are probably 5 or 6 groups devoted to Aq on facebook in addition to groups on both Adult Friend Finder and Fetlife.
Its not for everyone. And many people will never have any desire to go, but that does not entitle you to judge, or speak poorly about those of us who do. Lets all just act like adults we all are and just simply agree to disagree.
