Concerned citizens, who care deeply for the long term viability of the Humber River, the only Heritage River in the Greater Toronto Area, respectfully submit this petition to City of Toronto Mayor and Councillors expressing our strong opposition to the renewal of the long-term lease (20 years) with Toronto Humber Yacht Club (THYC) located at 101 Humber Valley Road in Toronto that is currently under review by the City. We believe the continued presence of THYC will have ongoing and additional negative impacts on the Humber ecosystem. 

The continued operation of the THYC poses significant environmental challenges to the Humber River, areas of concern include:

-The construction of 60 gazebos along the shore has degraded the riparian zone, displacing native species and disrupting natural habitats. 

-Increased use of Personal Water Craft (PWCs), particularly jet skis, exacerbate these issues by stirring sediment in the shallow river, introducing pollutants such as unburned fuel, and creating wake that erodes the shoreline. The number of PWCs increases every year, and this summer there were more than 25 PWCs docked at THYC. 

-THYC has expanded beyond its allocated footprint, cutting down trees to expand the parking lot and for storage of trailers. The introduction of hardscape and reduction of woodland has impacted wildlife and native plant species.

-THYC uses the river as its private playground, often with little regard for the impacts on local residents and those who come to enjoy the peace the river provides. 

We request the City’s lease with THYC not be renewed, and ask City Council to grant the lease to an environmentally sustainable not for profit paddle club focused on rehabilitating the property with a mandate to develop partnerships to provide outdoor/natural educational opportunities for the community.

Please visit Revitalize the Humber on Facebook. Also, we encourage you to review the petition on change.org to Prohibit Watercraft Over 9.9 hp on the Humber River.