Jet skis and boats will be banned from several key Toronto waterfront areas under a new policy implemented by the Toronto Port Authority.
The new policy, which is detailed in a staff report set to be considered by Mayor Olivia Chow’s executive committee next week, comes amid concerns about unsafe watercraft operators and illegal rentals.
As a result, city council passed two related motions last year to develop a Personal Watercraft Safety Plan.
Exclusion zones to be implemented for PWCs
In their March 30 report, city staff said a Motorized Watercraft Exclusion Zone (MWEZ) would be implemented within Toronto Harbour, prohibiting all motorized boats and personal watercraft.
The Toronto Port Authority, the granting authority, has also confirmed that it will implement MWEZs this summer at Humber Bay Shores, and Hanlan’s Point and Woodbine beaches, restricting motorized boats from operating within 150 metres of those areas.
These restrictions may be continued in 2027 and in the future following a review at the end of the 2026 summer season.
Staff say these no-go zones could be put in place in 2027 and beyond outside Toronto Harbour at Marie Curtis Park, Humber Bay Park, and Bluffer’s Beach Park, pending approval by Transport Canada.
Last summer, the city piloted an exclusion zone at Hanlan’s Point Beach in response to community feedback and with the goal of enhancing safety and improving the experience for all water users, including those using kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards as well as boaters.
Focus on illegal business activity
As part of this plan, city bylaw enforcement officers, in partnership with Toronto police, will be focusing their efforts on unpermitted business activity in parks and beaches, as well as the mooring of boats. Those who refuse to comply could face a fine up to $100,000.
An initial enforcement effort like this was undertaken last summer, resulting in two arrests, numerous charges, four parking infractions, and 20 tows.
Water- and land-based enforcement
Toronto police’s Marine Unit will also be conducting water-based enforcement on and around beaches targeting unsafe operation of personal watercraft, excessive speed near shorelines, entry into marked swim zones, conflicts with swimmers, paddlers and lifeguards, and unpermitted rental operations on city property.
Public education, communication campaign
The city’s Personal Watercraft Safety Plan also includes a public education and communication campaign to improve awareness and encourage compliance of personal watercraft safety requirements. This will get underway as early as late May and continue until the Labour Day long weekend.
Signs indicating that personal watercraft rental activity is not permitted will also be installed in May Humber Bay Park, Humber Bay Shores, Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay, Bluffer’s Park, and Hanlan’s Point Beach.
At this time, personal watercraft rentals are not allowed at city parks and beaches as well as boat clubs operating on city land under lease agreement, however potential sites are being explored.
The City of Toronto says it will evaluate the effectiveness of all of these actions taken during the 2026 boating season to inform future steps for improving personal watercraft safety.
With files from The Canadian Press
