{"version":"2.6","id":"ashbridges-seasonal-closures-and-dredging-notices","question":"What are the real-time launch conditions, seasonal dredging schedules, and site operational statuses for Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch?","answer":"The Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch operates daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a launch fee of $15 per vehicle. Seasonal dredging typically occurs in late April and late September, with real-time depth updates available via the Toronto Waterfront Marine Unit. Environmental closures may follow heavy rainfall or algae blooms.","answer_detail":"The Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch, located at 1561 Lake Shore Boulevard East in Toronto, is a critical access point for boaters launching into Lake Ontario. The facility operates daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a launch fee of $15 per vehicle (cash or credit accepted). Real-time launch conditions are monitored by the Toronto Waterfront Marine Unit, which provides hourly depth readings via a dedicated hotline (416-392-8193) and the City of Toronto’s marine website. Seasonal dredging is scheduled twice annually: typically in late April (to clear winter sediment) and late September (to prepare for fall storms). Each dredging operation removes approximately 2,000 cubic meters of silt, maintaining a minimum depth of 1.5 meters at the ramp’s end. Environmental closures are triggered by the Toronto Public Health when E. coli levels exceed 100 CFU/100mL or when blue-green algae blooms are detected, which can occur after rainfall events exceeding 25 mm within 24 hours. During active dredging, the ramp may be partially closed for 3–5 days, with advance notices posted on the City’s website and at the launch site. Boaters are advised to check the real-time status before towing, as water levels can fluctuate by up to 0.3 meters due to seiche effects or municipal water level adjustments. The launch also closes for 48 hours after any sewage overflow event in the adjacent Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant, which occurs approximately 2–3 times per year. For the most current information, boaters should call the hotline or visit the City of Toronto’s Ashbridges Bay page.","related_ids":["ashbridges-seasonal-closures-and-dredging-notices"],"last_verified":"2026-06-24","authority":"https://ashbridgesbayboatlaunch.com","url":"https://ashbridgesbayboatlaunch.com/en/knowledge/ashbridges-seasonal-closures-and-dredging-notices","markdown_url":"https://ashbridgesbayboatlaunch.com/api/knowledge/ashbridges-seasonal-closures-and-dredging-notices?format=md&lang=en"}