Humber Bay residents complain their beach is ruined by large rocks in shoreline restoration project.
What happened to our once-sandy beach.
Some Humber Bay Shores residents are concerned and disappointed that their once-sandy Humber Bay Park East beach is now a wall of grapefruit-sized rocks.
More than 200 residents have signed an online petition claiming their beloved beach has been restored with a ‘five-foot high wall of grapefruit-sized rocks.’
“Our beloved beach was a cherished community asset,” said petition organizer Aman Somal. “It is facing a threat of over-development that undermines the promises made during community consultations.”
City work crew placed grapefruit sized rocks that covered a beloved Humber Bay Park East beach.
Somal said residents were assured the beach, which existed between the eastern and western headland, would remain an enjoyable and accessible space for the community.
“Unfortunately, the shoreline project has left the beach in a state that is far from what was promised,” Somal wrote. “We now have a five-foot-high wall … that has effectively eliminated any possibility of residents enjoying the beach.”
The petition said residents understand the importance of erosion control measures to protect the park, but believe that the approach is excessive and has altered the landscape.
The beach was a favourite place for many who cannot afford a cottage or travel to a sun-filled destination.
“The beach is effectively covered in these large stones, losing all of its recreational value, something that the community cherished very much,” according to the petition.
It said not everyone has the means to travel abroad or book a cottage to provide their families with a nature or a beach experience.
“Access to nature has been proven to have positive effects on mental well-being, and to interact with elements such as sand, trees and water,” said the petition. It ‘is integral to fostering a healthy and balanced community.’
The petition is calling for smaller pebbles or gravel be used instead of the large size stones on the beach.
“The current steep edge is dangerous especially when the stones are wet,” Somal wrote. “Especially for children and people with mobility issues in our community.”
They want a reassessment to explore methods to protect the park from erosion, without compromising the therapeutic benefits that the beach provides.
Hundreds of residents took to social media or sign a petition for the return of their beloved Humber Bay Park East beach.
Area residents took to social media to explain their frustrations.
“I enjoy this park and access to the water,” wrote Jack Glab. “The current state of this beach is unacceptable.”
“I am resident of the neighborhood and been enjoying that beach for years,” explained Jessica Bouchard. “It is horrible to have destroyed such a gem.”
“I live in this beautiful area and love it as close to natural state as possible,” said Cornelia Radu. “Unfortunately, there are projects to overdevelop and destroy the natural beauty.”
Many Humber Bay Shores residents took to the beach for many hours of fun during the summertime heat.
Mary Murphy noted she was terrified at what has become of their lovely beach.
“I am horrified to see what has been done to a true hidden gem in the city,” Murphy wrote. “This is not protection. It is accelerated destruction.”
Officials of the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority said the lake is rising and action had to be taken as the beach area is prone to flooding.