Decision Makers: Toronto City Council +1

The Issue

For the past four years, Skycoast Sports — a locally owned and operated jet ski and boat rental company — has proudly served Toronto’s residents and visitors. Our mission is simple: to make the beauty of Toronto’s lakes and waterways accessible to everyone, without the high cost and burden of ownership.

We are more than a business. With a dedicated team of 8–10 seasonal staff and 5 full-time year-round employees, we are part of Toronto’s tourism ecosystem and a contributor to the community’s economy. In the last four years alone, we have helped thousands of residents and visitors safely enjoy our lakes.

We operate with a strong emphasis on safety and responsibility:
Our vessels are never left moored when not in use
All speed limits and no-wake zones are enforced using GPS-enabled controls
Comprehensive safety training is provided to every customer
Our fleet is properly maintained to meet or exceed all regulations

Despite these strict safety measures, the City of Toronto is now considering a blanket ban on all jet ski rentals from public boat launches — a reaction to isolated incidents involving a few irresponsible operators.

This is not just a business issue — it’s an equity issue.

The push for this ban is largely driven by private boat owners and marinas who already have the means to buy, store, and maintain their own vessels. Many private marinas have also refused dock space to jet ski rental companies, effectively limiting public access to the water. Now, with this proposed ban, the city risks turning public waterways into exclusive spaces for the wealthy few.

Residents living in condominiums or those without the resources to own a boat would lose one of the few affordable ways to access the lake.

The Impact of this Ban Would Be Far-Reaching:

Local jobs and small businesses will be at risk
Affordable water access will be stripped away from residents
Toronto’s reputation for equity, diversity, and small business support will be seriously compromised

There’s a Better Way — Fair Regulation, Not Blanket Bans

We urge the City of Toronto to reject this harmful ban and instead implement a regulated framework for jet ski rental operations that includes:
  Licensing requirements for all rental operators
  Mandatory safety training for all renters
  Designated rental launch zones to reduce congestion
  Penalties for violators, rather than punishing responsible businesses

Water Access Should Not Be Reserved for the Privileged Few

This decision is about more than boats — it’s about the kind of city we want Toronto to be. A city where opportunity and access aren’t filtered through wealth. A city where small businesses, working families, and residents from all backgrounds can enjoy our shared natural spaces safely and fairly.

Join Us in Standing Up for:

Safe, responsible, and affordable access to Toronto’s lakes
The protection of local jobs and small businesses
A waterfront that reflects Toronto’s values of fairness, diversity, and inclusion

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Sign the petition today. Let City Council know: Toronto’s lakes should be open to all — not just those who can afford to own them.