HELP PROTECT PRIVATE BOAT RENTALS IN TORONTO!

Dear Boating Enthusiasts, Community Leaders, and Concerned Citizens,

The Great Lakes Boaters Association (GLBA), representing over 300 boaters and 40+ companies, is dedicated to fostering a safe, sustainable, and thriving boating industry for all Canadians. Our mission is to protect and enhance the boating experience that enriches both our economy and our communities.

Over the past four years, the charter industry has experienced remarkable growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when thousands of Canadians and tourists sought recreation enjoyment on the water. From leisurely cruises to high-end private charters, smaller operators have offered unparalleled experiences that showcase the beauty of Ontario’s waterways—something larger cruise ships simply cannot offer. Toronto’s waterfront has become a cultural and economic hub, allowing residents of all economic and social backgrounds have access to our expectational freshwater resources, drawing both locals and high-profile foreign tourists like Steph Curry, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sean Paul.

Despite these contributions, Toronto’s boating and charter industry now faces significant challenges. Without intervention, the vibrant sector that has supported local businesses, tourism, and recreation risks being stifled by regulatory and operational obstacles.

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Challenges Facing the Boating and Charter Industry:

1. Lack of Clear Regulations:
While Transport Canada has a defined process for commercial vessel registration, the existing framework does not adequately accommodate modern fiberglass boats over 40 feet. Many of these vessels require extensive, often impractical modifications to comply, creating challenges for operators attempting to meet requirements. We advocate for regulatory updates that address these challenges, ensuring compliance pathways are clear and achievable without compromising safety.

2. Reliance on Bareboat Charter Arrangements:
Bareboat Charters are a legally recognized by under Transport Canada. However, public misunderstanding of these operations has led to confusion, creating operational challenges for some compliant operators. While enforcement against non-compliant operators is necessary for safety, it is important that legal operators are not unfairly penalized due to this confusion. We advocate for clearer regulatory guidance and a centralized registry to ensure proper compliance and enforcement.

3. Discriminatory Marina Restrictions:
Recent decisions by government-managed marinas, such as Outer Harbour Marina, have resulted in certain charter operators not having their slip renewals processed, without clear reasoning or documented justification. Operators who inquired about the basis for non-renewal were not provided with written explanations or evidence of non-compliance

4. Lack of Pickup and Drop-Off Infrastructure:
Despite the availability of thousands of metres of unused city-owned walls along Toronto’s harbor, there are no designated areas where charter vessels can conduct pick-up and drop-off operations. This forces many operators to rely on ad-hoc or unauthorized locations, which increases congestions, frustration, and poses safety risks on the waterfront. A lack of coordinated infrastructure harms both charter businesses and waterfront safety.

These obstacles hinder charter operators who provide unique, personalized experiences, which larger ships cannot replicate. These services have introduced thousands of people to the natural beauty of our lakes and city skylines, while also supporting local businesses and tourism. Many operators rely on charter income to maintain their vessels, which sustains and grows boating in Canada. This is an amazing resource at our fingertips for all Ontarians to grow and develop.

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Our Call to Action:

To protect and promote this essential industry, we urge the City of Toronto, Ports Toronto, Government of Ontario, and Transport Canada to:

1. Develop Clear and Accessible Commercial Vessel Registration:
Transport Canada to collaborate with GLBA to develop an updated, clear, and streamlined process for registering fiberglass boats over 40 feet for commercial use. Clear guidelines will enable operators to comply with regulations without ambiguity or delays – It is also requested that a reasonable time frame be adopted, allowing a grace period until new regulations are established.

2. End Discriminatory Marina Practices:
End discriminatory practices and pause enforcement actions in government-managed marinas, such as Outer Harbour Marina and other similar sites, while collaborative solutions are implemented. This will allow vessels to retain their slips, and work in collaboration with the GLBA to create and enforce a plan to ensure safety ensuring marina operations are not disrupted. 

3. Establish Designated Pickup and Drop-Off Points:
Government of Ontario, City of Toronto, and Ports Toronto to collaborate with GLBA to establish designated pickup and drop-off points in high-demand areas where charter boats can safely and legally operate for pick-up and drop-off. This will help reduce congestion, improve waterfront safety, and support local businesses while also creating an opportunity for government revenue by means of permits. 

4. Provide Industry-Specific Support and Guidance:
Collaboration between GLBA, Transport Canada, and Toronto Marine Unit to understand safety concerns and provide workshops, guidance, resources, and support to operators to simplify regulatory compliance and ensure safety standards. Proactive guidance will enhance safety and compliance across the sector.

5. Partner with the GLBA for Safety and Inspections:
The GLBA understands that authorities may be under-resourced and is ready to collaborate with Transport Canada, Ports Toronto, Toronto Marine Unit and other stakeholders to provide manpower, inspections, and resources to ensure safe boating practices. Our association includes experienced members who are committed to maintaining high safety and operational standards.

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Positive Impact of the Charter Industry:

The charter industry has made significant contributions to Toronto and Ontario’s economy, tourism, and recreation:

• It provides unforgettable affordable experiences that introduce people to the beauty of our lakes and waterways on luxury yachts that they may not otherwise have means to experience. 
• Many operators use charter income to maintain their vessels, making boating more accessible for part-time operators and hobbyists.
• The industry supports a wide range of local businesses, including restaurants, tourism operators, and waterfront attractions, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits. 
• Charter boat tours often educate passengers about local ecosystems and the importance of conservation. This can foster a greater appreciation for natural resources and encourage environmentally responsible behavior.
• Smaller, privately chartered vessels offer intimate and customizable experiences, catering to groups who prefer alternatives to crowded, large-scale cruise operations. This versatility makes them an attractive choice for a wide range of customers.

If these issues remain unaddressed, the growth and sustainability of this crucial sector are at risk. Operators may be driven further into the informal economy, creating unsafe and unsupervised conditions on the water.

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Why Your Support Matters:

The future of Toronto’s boating industry depends on the collective action of boaters, businesses, and the community. By signing this petition, you are taking a stand to:

Protect the rights of private charter operators to operate under fair and transparent regulations.
Support the growth of a vital sector that enriches local tourism, culture, and the economy. 

Promote safety and sustainability on Toronto’s waterfront.
We urge the City of Toronto, Ports Toronto, the Government of Ontario, and Transport Canada to work with us in preserving the unique and vibrant character of our waterways.

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Sign the Petition Today

Your voice matters. Join us in protecting Toronto’s charter and boating industry by signing this petition. Together, we can safeguard this essential part of our community and economy for generations to come.

Thank you for your support!
The Great Lakes Boaters Association (GLBA)

www.greatlakesboatersassociation.com