Toronto Bans Motorized Watercraft at Woodbine Beach Amid Safety Concerns and Illegal Rentals.

Toronto has banned motorized watercraft from Woodbine Beach by 2026 due to safety concerns over unlicensed rental companies and reckless drivers. A local rental company suggests focusing on regulations to weed out "bad actors" in the industry. The city's police have issued over 50 tickets for provincial offences and dozens of bylaw charges in an enforcement blitz targeting unsafe boating practices.

Toronto city council has passed a motion requesting PortsToronto to ban motorized watercraft, including Jet Skis, within 150 metres of the shoreline at Woodbine Beach by June 2026 [1]. The decision comes amid growing concerns over unsafe operators and illegal rental practices at the beach and nearby Ashbridges Bay.

Coun. Brad Bradford, who introduced the motion, highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures. "Job No. 1 of local government is to keep our residents safe," Bradford stated, emphasizing the risk posed by unlicensed rental companies and reckless drivers [1]. Bradford's motion was inspired by concerns over operators without proper boating permits and those operating watercraft unsafely, which put swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders at risk.

The city has already implemented a similar exclusion zone 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 [1]. Additionally, Toronto police have been actively enforcing safety regulations, issuing over 50 tickets for provincial offences and dozens of bylaw charges in recent enforcement blitzes [1].

However, some watercraft rental companies argue that the city should focus on regulations that target "bad actors" rather than banning watercraft altogether. Raj Mehta, one of the founders of rental company Jetti, supports stricter regulations but believes that the ban will also penalize businesses operating safely [1]. Jetti follows safety regulations by having insurance, GPS-based speed controls, and issuing proof of competency through rental boat safety checklists [1].

Mehta suggests that the city could consider setting up designated launches for personal watercraft away from public beaches or leasing space from the city. However, he notes that marinas in the inner harbour fall under PortsToronto’s jurisdiction, which requires specific permits difficult to obtain for short-term renters [1].

Despite Mehta's suggestions, Bradford believes rental companies are not interested in working with the city. Bradford proposes that companies could look into leasing boat slips across the waterfront if they wish to continue their operations [1].

The ban at Woodbine Beach is part of a broader effort to improve safety and regulate the watercraft rental industry in Toronto. The city aims to balance the need for safety with the economic impact of the watercraft rental industry. The enforcement blitzes and ongoing dialogue between the city and rental companies suggest a commitment to finding a solution that prioritizes safety and fair access to the waterfront.

References:
[1] https://www.townandcountrytoday.com/national-business/as-toronto-aims-to-ban-motorized-watercraft-at-popular-beach-some-blame-bad-actors-11015691