Toronto clamping down on littering and drinking at Woodbine Beach

The City of Toronto is preparing for rowdy summer beachgoers with a proactive plan to tackle littering, drinking, and COVID-19 health violations.

Brad Bradford, city councillor for Beaches-East York, revealed the plan to combat Woodbine Beach’s notorious crowds on April 29.

Bradford said he’s been working with City staff to learn from mistakes made last year and to improve management of the beach for the coming summer months.

“Last summer, we were not prepared to deal adequately with the crowds at Woodbine Beach and the consequences that came with them,” Bradford tweeted.

“We are prepared to deal with what this summer may bring at one of the most popular destinations in the City – tackling litter, crowds, and enhancing by-law enforcement.”

Woodbine Beach isn’t only an #EastEnd treasure – it attracts folks from all over Toronto.

We want everyone to safely enjoy our outdoor spaces this summer and we’re putting a plan in place to ensure our beautiful beach stays clean. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/4Y3OLV8BMt

— Brad Bradford✌️ (@BradMBradford) April 29, 2021

The plan includes “stepping up” garbage pick-up and bin collections across the Eastern Beaches during peak periods, according to details laid out on Bradford’s website.

Additional garbage bins will be placed in high-use areas and will be replaced at 5 am and 5 pm. Dedicated staff will be allocated to addressing litter in and around the bins as well.

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By-law officers will be “actively patrolling” areas that have been identified as hot spots, and  Toronto Police officers will be enhancing their enforcements, too.

Officers will be focused on enforcing no-litter policies, alcohol, bonfire orders, and any public health restrictions that are in place at the time.

Starting in late May, a team of officers will be deployed to the Eastern Beaches every weekend from 10 am to 1 am, as well as on statutory holidays.

Bradford notes this is when many gatherings and “the most disruptive activity” take place. Weekend enforcements may begin if “negative activity” is seen sooner.

“We can all enjoy the beach safely,” Bradford said. “Now more than ever, we should be making the most of this beautiful resource for our physical and mental health.”