Illegal to shore fish in Toronto Harbour !!

[MikeH]

"Gone fishin' " - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Adam Vaughan

* Notice of this Motion has been given.
* This Motion is subject to referral to the Executive Committee. A two-thirds vote is required to waive referral.

Recommendations

Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Adam Vaughan, recommends that:

1. City Council request that all public bodies along the lakeshore within City limits refrain from interfering with sport fishing unless the activity compromises public safety.

2. City Council establish as much as possible of the central waterfront as a 'Gone Fishing' zone.

3. City Council request the City Solicitor to review the legality of any newly-enforced restrictions which hinder citizens from enjoying sport fishing in locations where this has been permitted in the past.

Summary

Recently, restrictions on public fishing have been enacted along portions of Toronto's waterfront, with fishing restricted to areas designated by posted signage. This is counter to existing policy permitting urban fishing in the City of Toronto provided there is no signage prohibiting fishing.

Fishing is an activity enjoyed by thousands of Torontonians every year. The right to fish can be reasonably restricted for purposes of safety at particular locations, but a patchwork of new enforcement, apparently unrelated to public safety, poses the risk that the lakeshore will be effectively taken from the public realm, enjoyed by all, to a private preserve. As a lakefront City Toronto needs to protect the right of residents to fish in Lake Ontario from public property.

(Submitted to City Council on April 10 and 11, 2012 as MM22.11)