The City is developing a Personal Watercraft (PWC) Safety Plan to improve safety along Toronto’s waterfront in advance of the 2026 summer season.
This project has been classified as an Involve project based on the International Association for Public Participation Spectrum. This means the City will work directly with stakeholders to develop and test the Safety Plan’s proposed directions.
Community engagement for the Personal Watercraft Safety Plan took place between January and March 2026. The City gathered input from stakeholders and waterfront users directly affected by personal watercraft activity, including rental operators, boating and paddling organizations, marinas, swimming groups and other community organizations.
Engagement activities included:
Download the stakeholder input summary report.
The Toronto Port Authority, in coordination with the City and the Toronto Police Services Marine Unit, piloted a Motorized Watercraft Exclusion Zone (MWEZ) at Hanlan’s Point Beach during the 2025 boating season. The zone extended 200 metres from the shoreline along the west side of the Toronto Islands, providing a dedicated safe area for non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Community feedback on the pilot was gathered through an online survey to inform future planning.
Download the pilot survey summary report.
A Personal Watercraft (PWC) is the regulatory and industry term for small, motorized watercraft designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than inside it. Common brands include Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners.
The PWC Safety Plan is a coordinated, multi-agency initiative guided by City Council direction and focused on reducing dangerous PWC activity through an integrated approach.
This work is being developed by the City in collaboration with key partners including the Toronto Port Authority and the Toronto Police Service Marine Unit, alongside local clubs, operators and waterfront organizations.