Toronto to Ban PWCs and Small Boats from Popular Waterfront Areas

Photo - Jules Clark

The City of Toronto is moving forward with plans to restrict personal watercraft (PWCs) and some small boats from select areas of its waterfront this summer.

In a March 30th report, Toronto city staff said a Motorized Watercraft Exclusion Zone (MWEZ) would be implemented within Toronto Harbour beginning in summer 2026. The MWEZ prohibits all motorized boats and personal watercraft from designated areas.

The Toronto Port Authority, which carries the granting authority for the measure, confirmed it will implement MWEZs this summer at Humber Bay Shores, and Hanlan’s Point and Woodbine beaches. The enforcement efforts will run from late May to Labour Day weekend in September.

Signs indicating that PWC rental activity is not permitted will also be installed in Humber Bay Park, Humber Bay Shores, Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay, Bluffer’s Park, and Hanlan’s Point Beach, according to CTV News.

The initiative was kickstarted by two motions passed last year by city council to develop a Personal Watercraft Safety Plan. The motions include prohibiting motorized watercraft within at least 150 metres (490 feet) of the shoreline.

According to city officials, authorities have responded to frequent complaints about personal watercraft operating too close to shorelines and within designated swim zones. Police have also issued dozens of tickets related to unsafe operation and bylaw violations tied to rental activity.

In addition to the shoreline exclusion zone (MWEZ), the city is also considering further restrictions regarding where PWCs can dock. Proposals include limiting access to certain city-owned docks as part of a wider waterfront management strategy. Those proposals are still to be determined.

For summer 2026, bylaw enforcement, in partnership with Toronto Police, will focus on unpermitted business activity in parks and beaches, as well as docking and mooring in unapproved areas. Those who refuse to comply could face a fine up to $100,000.

Officials say illegal or unlicensed rental operators are contributing to unsafe conditions.

Last summer, the City of Toronto ran a pilot exclusion zone at Hanlan’s Point Beach in response to community feedback. The pilot project resulted in two arrests, numerous charges, four parking infractions, and 20 tows, according to CTV.

At the time, Councillor Brad Bradford, who represents Ward 19 Beaches - East York, told Global News,

“I’m relieved that this was passed because job No. 1 of local government is to keep our residents safe," referring to the first of two motions in 2025.

“They’re a menace to the community,” Bradford said. “It’s a matter of time before somebody gets injured or killed.”

“These guys come out, pay the fine, and just go right back out into their operations and they’re making so much money on it,” he added.

According to BlogTO, privately owned PWCs have also reportedly played a role at other Toronto waterfront locations — including the Humber Yacht Club, which didn't have its lease renewed for 2026.

Transport Canada has regulations requiring operators of motorized watercraft, including PWCs, to carry proof of competency. Additional permits are required for operating within Toronto Harbour. All operators of recreational motorized vessels in Ontario must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator's Card (PCOC) which requires passing a test.

As the city rolls out its MWEZ exclusion zones this summer, the costs from the additional enforcement will also be under consideration. Toronto Police said they can support the cost of additional enforcement under their existing operating budget, which is expected to be between $40,000 and $45,000 for the summer, but the City of Toronto is expected to bear any costs beyond enforcement. Within the Toronto Personal Watercraft Safety Plan are several potential items for the MWEZ, including "recommended large marker buoys... estimated to cost approximately $54,500 each, with a minimum of two buoys placed at each of the three locations: The buoys could be installed off the waters of Humber Bay Shores (2 buoys), Hanlan's Point Beach (2 buoys), and Woodbine Beach (2 buoys)."

According to the plan, the estimated cost of $54,500 per buoy includes the capital cost to procure the required buoys ($11,000 per buoy), each buoy’s weight and chain assembly ($8,500 per buoy), as well as costs associated with buoy installation, removal at the end of 2026 summer season, and storage ($35,000 per buoy). The total estimated costs for six buoys in 2026 is $327,000.

The City of Toronto says it will use the 2026 summer season as a guide for future plans regarding PWC enforcement in 2027 and beyond. #news