The City of Toronto and PortsToronto are moving forward with a significant crackdown on personal watercraft (PWCs) like jet skis to address rising safety concerns, noise complaints, and illegal rental operations.
As of April 2026, the plan transitions from pilot projects to a formal Personal Watercraft Safety Plan slated for implementation this summer.
Key Restrictions & Exclusion Zones
The core of the plan involves Motorized Watercraft Exclusion Zones (MWEZ). Within these zones, all
and jet skis are prohibited from operating—typically within 150 to 200 metres of the shoreline.
| Location | Status for Summer 2026 |
| Woodbine Beach | Banned within 150m of shore (starts June 2026). |
| Hanlan’s Point Beach | Banned (permanent after 2025 pilot success). |
| Humber Bay Shores | Banned within 150m of shore. |
| Toronto Harbour | New proposal to prohibit PWCs within the inner harbour. |
| Bluffer’s Park / Marie Curtis | Under review for 2027 exclusion zones. |
The city is responding to what officials call a “menace” to the waterfront, citing several critical issues:
- Illegal Rentals: Many operators lack proper business permits and store craft illegally on public beaches.
- Public Safety: Conflict between high-speed jet skis and swimmers, kayakers, or paddleboarders has reached a “boiling point.”
- Operator Incompetence: Police report many riders lack the mandatory Proof of Competency (PCOC) required by Transport Canada.
- Environmental Impact: Concerns over noise and water pollution from older two-stroke engines.
Enforcement and Fines
Don’t expect just a slap on the wrist. The city is coordinating a multi-agency blitz involving the Toronto Police Marine Unit and Bylaw Enforcement:
- Fines: Operators violating these bylaws or engaging in unpermitted business activity could face fines up to $100,000.
- Equipment Seizure: Police have previously carried out enforcement “blitzes” to seize watercraft from unlicensed rental companies.
- Club Restrictions: New 20-year lease renewals for 24 waterfront boat clubs now include a specific condition prohibiting jet ski rentals on their lands.
The Executive Committee is scheduled to consider the final details of the Safety Plan on April 15, 2026, with a full City Council vote expected by late April. If you’re a responsible PWC owner, you’ll still be able to ride in deeper waters, but the days of “beaching” your jet ski at Woodbine or Hanlan’s are officially over.
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