We want the city of Toronto to reduce the issuance of daily usage permits of the volleyball courts located at woodbine Beach to a maximum of 50% of the available court posts at any time (starting from the main bathrooms,  continuing west, the number equal to half of usable courts).  Positioning the public courts in this manner will continue to foster the development and growth of the beach community that uses the courts.

Within the past five years, the city has permitted 96 of the 107 courts available, leaving only 11 courts freely available to the public at any time.  Recently the city removed 2 of the courts previously designated for free public use as well as one court that the beach  community installed. Of the limited, designated "public courts", these are located at the furthest ends of the beach to each other, effectively separating not only a clear public play zone but the community itself ultimately is split. This is a community that is continually growing, that is inclusive, strives to keep the beach area clean, and gives back to the community.

The effects of covid last year saw the cancelation of permits for most of the summer season.  Government messaging encouraged people to get outdoors and exercise and the public demand for these courts was on full display.  All  existing  courts were⁹ being used on a regular basis by families and individuals supplying and setting up their own nets to play.    In addition to beach volleyball, there was increased demand by other sports such beach soccer, beach tennis etc. for the same space.

All people of Toronto deserve to have access to this public amenity. Dealing with Covid has led to a change in lifestyle for many. More families and individuals are getting out, getting active and have had to do so in an unstructured environment. The recognition  of how much impact exercise and socialization has on positive mental health as well as physical health has been highlighted during the lockdowns we have experienced during the covid pandemic.

As an amenity of a Toronto public park people should not be limited by economic means if they can not afford to join the leagues, or limited by work schedules etc.,  Which are set by the permit holder. They need to have access that fits their schedules. Even with a reduction of permitted courts space.  The permit holder would still have access to 50 + courts which can host more than 100 teams at a time.

It is time for change.   Toronto city council needs to recognize that the public demand for these courts has significantly grown since they were first installed and more so since covid happened. The city needs to ensure that the public has  access to at least 50% of the courts with posts not just the few marked as "PUBLIC COURT".