For nearly 70 years the Toronto Humber Yacht Club (THYC) has been a quiet steward of the Humber River, protecting, respecting, and celebrating Toronto’s only Heritage River while supporting responsible boating, youth sailing, and environmental education. Today, we are facing the threat of losing our lease despite our long standing contributions to the health of the river, the safety of its users, and the spirit of the local community.

The Humber River has been a place of gathering and water access for over 100 years. In 1925 William John Hicks and his wife Annie Langford turned the existing building into Hicks Boathouse, welcoming Torontonians to experience the river through canoe rentals, rowboats, small powerboats, and peaceful excursions. It was among these boaters that the idea of a yacht club took shape, and on June 13, 1956 the Toronto Humber Yacht Club was officially founded by a group of local enthusiasts who believed in sharing the joy and responsibility of the river with future generations.

Since then, THYC has become a place where children learn to paddle and sail, where families gather to share quiet mornings on the water, and where seniors find companionship and connection to nature. Generations have learned to love the river’s wildlife, to respect its currents, and to take responsibility for its health. For nearly seven decades THYC has helped people see the river not only as a place of recreation but as a living part of Toronto, worthy of care and stewardship.

Today, under renewed vision, values, and leadership, THYC is committed to carrying forward this tradition while evolving to meet the environmental and community priorities of our time. We take seriously our role as environmental stewards of the Humber River and our property, actively caring for the shoreline, participating in annual cleanups, and maintaining a safe, responsible, and respectful environment for all who share the river. Our non-profit club fosters a culture of mutual understanding and respect for each other, our neighbours, and our environment, aligning our activities with the needs of the community and the river we love.

We are asking the City of Toronto to renew THYC’s lease so we can continue to:

• Provide public river access for safe, affordable recreation that connects people to nature.
• Conduct annual river cleanups and shoreline restoration, ensuring the Humber remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a peaceful place for residents.
• Promote safe boating practices and assist paddlers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the river with confidence and care.
• Host community and youth programs that teach environmental responsibility and foster a love for the river in the next generation.
• Support local jobs and Toronto’s waterfront economy by responsibly welcoming visitors who share a love of the river.

We believe that facts and shared values should guide decisions about the river’s future. THYC has safely operated a fuel dock under city approved, environmentally compliant procedures, and the claim that our dock blocks a third of the river is simply inaccurate. We have strict guidelines for watercraft use, prioritizing the safety of paddlers while protecting shoreline habitats. Our history of collaboration with environmental groups and community organizations reflects our commitment to the Humber’s long term health.

Without THYC, the Humber River will lose a dedicated, caring partner who not only enjoys the river but actively protects it. The community will lose a place where neighbours, families, and friends have quietly gathered for nearly 70 years to celebrate the simple, profound beauty of being on the water together.

We urge the City of Toronto to renew THYC’s lease so that we can continue to support safe, responsible, community led, and environmentally conscious recreation on the Humber River for generations to come.

Please sign and share this petition to keep the Humber River accessible, clean, and protected for all who love and cherish it.