Item - 2021.IE19.13

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Requested the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in collaboration with other divisions and agencies such the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Ports Toronto, to identify any potential new locations across the Toronto waterfront where storage for non-motorized crafts like canoes and kayaks and paddle boards could be accommodated and operationalized in the short-term, and to report back on their findings and recommendations at the March 23, 2021 meeting of Infrastructure and Environment Committee.

Many residents have contacted my office about the work currently being undertaken by Waterfront Toronto in partnership with Ports Toronto, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the City of Toronto to update the 2006 Marine Use Strategy. 

While they are broadly supportive of this long term initiative they are concerned about the lack of emphasis on the immediate need for storage and launch facilities for non-motorized crafts like canoes and kayaks and paddle boards.

During Covid, residents have used the lake in unprecedented numbers and many have called my office about getting facilities where they can leave their non-motorized crafts.

Growth of the recreational use of our waterfront is well documented and it is expected to continue to increase exponentially as the number of residents living and working near the water grows.  Existing facilities that provide storage have long waiting lists and are unable to accommodate any additional users.

I understand this type of storage is contemplated for areas such as Villiers Island however it will not be realized and functional for a number of years. The lack of storage for non-motorized craft is long-standing and it needs to be addressed in the short term.

Developing better connections to the lake, encouraging participation in healthy outdoor activity and enhancing access for residents from all ends of our city and all economic backgrounds is a goal we all share. Providing much needed storage for canoes, kayaks and paddle boards from various parts of the waterfront is one highly effective way of making that a reality for many Torontonians.