HARBOUR MASTER NOTICE 2001-02

Subject: Port Of  Toronto / Eastern Area - Policy

I wish to advise you of the policy of the Toronto Port Authority with respect to the slips in the eastern portion of the Inner Harbour and the Ship Channel.  

Since the construction of the Spadina Marina it has been the policy of the Authority to discourage the development of additional recreational mooring facilities in the Inner Harbour, for navigational safety reasons. The eastern slips and the Ship Channel represent the last remaining port infrastructure available to the Authority to fulfill its mandate.  Therefore, it is the policy of the Authority to encourage uses along the slips that are compatible with a commercial port, and discourage those that are not.  

Mooring of recreational boats is not a compatible use.  Neither is the mooring of other types of vessels or of miscellaneous floats (such as barges) that would interfere with efficient and safe navigation for large commercial vessels.  

We remind you that the East Gap is the main harbour entrance for commercial vessels, and that the prevailing winds in the harbour are from a westerly direction.  This has the effect, on windy days, of making navigation potentially hazardous in the vicinity of the eastern slips. As such, I refer you to Harbour Master Notice 2001-01. 

We wish to advise you that the Harbour Master of the Port of Toronto has the authority and the power to determine where mooring shall or shall not take place.  Any requirements for mooring should be pursued with the Harbour Master before any private arrangements are made. 

Lisa Raitt - Harbour Master