Speakers Corner has been revisiting a recurring issue concerning a damaged dock near Cherry Beach that has been labeled a hazard by local water enthusiasts. This situation was first highlighted in February when individuals using the waters in the area expressed their growing concerns as the 2025 boating season approached.

Elliot Lerman, a concerned local, shared his apprehensions back in February, stating, “I think anyone swimming around the area, if they have children and children get on it, or get caught, that could be very dangerous.” At that time, Ports Toronto, the agency responsible for managing waterfront issues, assured the public that a resolution would be found before the commencement of the boating season.

However, as the summer of 2023 came to an end, the dock remained a fixture, much to the frustration of the community. Gordon Akum, a member of The Water Rats Sailing Club, voiced his concerns, emphasizing the dangers posed by the dock. He illustrated a scenario where a sailor might be launched from a ramp while contending with a strong east wind that could easily blow them into the abandoned structure. "The harbour master was notified and the city was aware of this issue through the fall, winter, spring, and summer," he stated.

In light of the ongoing risk, local groups decided to reach out again to Speakers Corner, reminding Ports Toronto of their initial commitment to remove the dock. Ports Toronto acknowledged they had intended to have the dock removed earlier in the year. However, they cited complications due to ownership issues. The dock was initially placed there by an individual associated with a now-defunct water taxi service. Despite efforts to communicate with the original owner through demand letters, the situation became more complicated when the dock was sold to a new owner who had plans to relocate it outside of the Toronto harbour.

Unfortunately, those plans never materialized. The spokesperson from Ports Toronto indicated that the agency had continued to send removal requests to the new owner, promising to dispatch another letter that week. Despite their advocacy, there was no specific deadline provided for when the dock may be removed.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, Akum expressed his discontent, stating, “Enough with the letters! Written warnings have not worked. We’ve extended more than a reasonable period of time and it’s still here. And it’s still a hazard.” He pointedly suggested that the city or the harbour master could utilize one of Toronto’s barges to remove the dock, emphasizing that the community simply wanted it gone.

This pressing issue raises concerns not only for local water enthusiasts but also for anyone visiting the area. As the summer season transitions into fall, the urgency for a solution becomes increasingly critical, prompting residents to seek immediate action to ensure safety on the waterfront.

For those who may have similar concerns, stories, or inquiries they wish to investigate, they are encouraged to reach out for assistance.