Some say ‘bad actors’ to blame as Toronto seeks motorized watercraft ban at popular beach
Global News
City council is requesting PortsToronto ban boats and personal watercrafts within at least 150 metres of the shoreline at Woodbine Beach in the city’s east end by June 2026.
Toronto has moved to ban motorized watercraft from one of its busiest beaches by next year due to concerns over unsafe operators and illegal rentals, but one rental company says the city should instead focus on regulations that weed out “bad actors” in the industry.
City council passed a motion last week requesting that PortsToronto ban boats and personal watercrafts such as Jet Skis within at least 150 metres of the shoreline at Woodbine Beach in the city’s east end by June 2026.
The motion also condemns “illegal” rental business practices at the beach and nearby Ashbridges Bay, such as using and storing watercraft without proper boating permits and operating them unsafely.
“I’m relieved that this was passed because job No. 1 of local government is to keep our residents safe,” said Coun. Brad Bradford, who introduced the motion and represents Ward 19 Beaches — East York.
Bradford said the ban request was spurred by concerns over unlicensed rental companies that operate and park their watercraft along the beach, and “reckless” drivers that put swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders at risk.
“They’re a menace to the community,” Bradford said. “It’s a matter of time before somebody gets injured or killed.”
Earlier this summer, a motorized watercraft exclusion zone was introduced at Hanlan’s Point Beach on Centre Island, extending 200 metres off the shore as part of a pilot project for this year’s boating season. Some residents of Etobicoke in the city’s west end have also started petitions calling for a similar exclusion ban in Humber Bay.
Earlier this month, Toronto police carried out an enforcement blitz targeting illegal watercraft rentals and unsafe boating practices in the city, issuing more than 50 tickets for provincial offences and dozens of bylaw charges.
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