What are the Outer Harbour Master Plan's implications for motorized craft access at Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch, considering land ownership and habitat protection?

Detailed answer

The Outer Harbour Master Plan, developed by Waterfront Toronto, aims to revitalize the area while balancing competing interests. The plan is complicated by land ownership disputes between the Toronto Port Authority (TPA) and the City of Toronto. The TPA owns a significant portion of the land, while the City owns other parts, including the Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch. To discourage vehicle traffic, the plan includes a minimum parking cap of 150 spaces at the boat launch. Additionally, habitat protection limits near the adjacent Tommy Thompson Park spit, a 500-hectare park with sensitive ecosystems, restrict motorized craft access. The plan allows for a maximum of 250 motorized craft launches per day, with a fee of $10 per launch. The TPA and City must work together to implement the plan, ensuring that the interests of various stakeholders, including boaters, environmental groups, and local residents, are balanced. The plan is expected to be finalized by 2025, with implementation phases scheduled to begin in 2027.