Balancing Safety Concerns with the Future of Rental Businesses

Toronto is set to ban motorized watercraft from one of its busiest beaches by next year due to concerns about unsafe operators and illegal rentals. The city council passed a motion requesting that boats and personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis, be prohibited within a certain distance of the shoreline at Woodbine Beach by June 2026.

The motion also addresses illegal rental practices at the beach and nearby Ashbridges Bay, including operating watercraft without proper permits and engaging in unsafe practices. The ban was prompted by concerns over unlicensed rental companies and "reckless" drivers who put swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders at risk.

Earlier this summer, a motorized watercraft exclusion zone was introduced at another beach as part of a pilot project. Additionally, some residents have started petitions calling for a similar ban in another area of the city. Toronto police have also conducted enforcement efforts targeting illegal rentals and unsafe boating practices, issuing numerous tickets and charges.

Police report responding to numerous complaints daily related to unsafe watercraft rentals, including riders operating too close to shorelines and entering designated swim zones. A major concern is that many personal watercraft operators lack proof of competency, as required by Transport Canada.

Some watercraft rental companies, however, believe they are being unfairly penalized. They argue that the city should focus on regulating the industry to weed out "bad actors" instead of implementing a blanket ban. One rental company founder supports cracking down on unsafe operators but believes that bans penalize businesses that operate safely.

The company follows safety regulations, including insurance, GPS-based speed controls, and safety checklists. They also remove their watercraft from the water after each rental. The founder believes that the lack of regulation allows anyone to start a rental company without proper oversight, leading to safety issues.

The company is willing to work with the city to find a solution that focuses on regulation, such as designated launches for personal watercraft away from public beaches. Despite reaching out to city officials, the company has not received responses to their proposals.

A city councillor recognizes that not all companies are breaking the rules. He believes that rental companies are not interested in working with the city. The rental company has explored renting space from marinas, but there are issues with that option. The company still hopes the city can find a solution that prioritizes safe and fair access to the waterfront.