Petition to Protect Humber Bay Park East Beach from Overdevelopment and Restoring Access to the Water

Attn: City of Toronto, TRCA, Councillor Amber Morley, MPP Christina Hogarth.

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens, hereby submit this petition to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent developments at Humber Bay Park East. Our beloved beach, a cherished community asset, is currently facing a threat of overdevelopment that undermines the promises made during community consultations.

During the planning and community engagement stages of the project, residents were assured that the Humber Bay Park East Beach (a beach that existed between the eastern and western headland) would remain an enjoyable and accessible space for the community. Unfortunately, the shoreline project has left the beach in a state that is far from what was promised. Instead of the expected restored recreational area, we now have a 5-foot-high wall of grapefruit-sized rocks, that has effectively eliminated any possibility of residents enjoying the beach.

We understand the importance of erosion control measures to protect the park, but we believe that the current approach is excessive and has altered the landscape in a way that contradicts the assurances given during the community consultations. The beach, if you can still call it so, is effectively covered in these large stones, losing all of its recreational value, something that the community cherished very much.

Toronto, being a vast and bustling city, demands the preservation of precious spaces like the Humber Bay Park. However, this preservation should not come at the cost of residents losing one of the few remaining naturalized spots in the city. It's essential to acknowledge that not everyone has the means to travel abroad or book a cottage to provide their families with a nature or a beach experience. Access to nature has been proven to have positive effects on mental well-being, and the ability to interact with elements such as sand, trees, and water is integral to fostering a healthy and balanced community.

To maintain the beach's enjoyment for beachgoers, we propose that above the waterline, smaller pebbles or gravel be used instead of the current large size stones. Secondly, a gradual slope will significantly contribute to a safer and more enjoyable beach experience for residents, especially for the children and people with mobility issues in our community. The current steep edge is dangerous, especially when the stones are wet.

We, the undersigned, therefore, call upon the TRCA and the City of Toronto to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the current measures in place and explore alternative methods to protect the park from erosion, without compromising the essential recreational and therapeutic benefits that the beach provides to the community.

We hope that by taking these steps, the TRCA and the City of Toronto will demonstrate their commitment to preserving Humber Bay Park East as a valuable natural resource for the community. We trust that you will consider the well-being and recreational needs of the residents and act promptly to rectify the current situation.