Protecting the Vision of Humber Bay Park

Humber Bay Park was originally designed as a quiet refuge on Toronto’s waterfront. However, this natural sanctuary is now under threat by a proposal to allow noisy, polluting jet-ski rentals into the heart of the park.

According to the Master Plan, the vision for this space is to balance ecological protection with a peaceful atmosphere for a diverse community. Since its completion in 1984, the park has become a vital ecological hotspot; in January 2026 alone, 39 different bird species were identified on-site. It is difficult to reconcile this vision of “natural heritage” with a long-term permit for motorized watercraft rentals in such a sensitive area.

The Proposal: An application has been submitted to Transport Canada by a commercial operator seeking to install a large floating dock near the public launch ramp in Humber Bay Park West for seasonal jet-ski rentals. You can find more information on the application here: Common Project Search – Navigation Protection Program Registry.

This proposal directly contradicts recent community efforts—including a motion by Councillor Morley—to strengthen enforcement and investigate a Motorized Watercraft Exclusion Zone along the Etobicoke-Lakeshore waterfront.

Environmental Risk: Our ecosystem remains fragile following the disastrous Mimico Creek oil spill just two years ago. Introducing more gas-powered traffic is a step backward—it is unpleasant for residents and potentially fatal for the wildlife still recovering in this corridor.

How You Can Help: Take Action by February 4th

You can submit your comments to Transport Canada until February 4th, 2026. Please reference File Number: 2025-415280.

  • Option 1: Submit via Email (Easiest) Email NPPONT-PPNONT@tc.gc.ca. Be sure to include the file number 2025-415280 in your subject line.
  • Option 2: Submit Online Submit comments through the Transport Canada website. *Note: You must register for an account to submit comments through the portal.

Allowing a jet-ski rental business to operate out of Humber Bay Park ignores the community’s call for a waterfront that is safe, peaceful, and protective of wildlife. Let’s ensure the park remains a resilient ecological refuge for future generations.

-Pete Smith

Toronto Field Naturalists wishes to acknowledge this Land through which we walk. For thousands of years, the Land has been shared by the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe. Toronto is situated on the Land within the Toronto Purchase, Treaty 13, the traditional and treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is also part of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum, a covenant agreement between Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Wendat peoples and allied nations to peaceably share the land and all its resources. Today, the Land is home to peoples of numerous nations. We are all grateful to have the opportunity to continue to care for and share the beauty of this Land.