In My Opinion: Hold those trashing the Beach on summer weekends accountable
By MARTIN KAYDALOV
Summer has arrived in the Beach. Artisan markets pop up in Kew Gardens, wading pools are open, paddleboards glide across calm water, and the sun beams down on beachgoers. But alongside such joy comes a new summer tradition, this one not so enjoyable: cleaning up the mess left behind.
It has become a dreaded routine. Walk down to the Boardwalk after any long weekend, mentally preparing for the onslaught of empty beer cans, pop bottles, take-out boxes, weed buds and hot-dog wrappers. The evidence of barbecues, picnics, and volleyball games – scattered like confetti from a party no one cleaned up.
From Ashbridges Bay to Balmy Beach, there forms a second lake – one made of garbage.
It was the worst after Canada Day this year. There were garbage bins overturned and empty firework tubes every 10 steps.
It’s not only visually and emotionally draining, but also dangerous. I lost count of the chicken bones, pizza crusts, and fries I’ve had to pull out of my dog’s jaws. Gastrointestinal obstruction, internal injuries, “garbage gut”, and a trip to the vet is not a summer tradition that I — nor any dog walker — can get behind.
Yet, the work being done to clean up is extraordinary. The dedication of both local volunteers and municipal workers to keeping our parks and beaches clean is nothing short of remarkable.
Every time I walk the Boardwalk, I see the two sides of the story: the carelessness of some, and the hard work of others cleaning up after them.
I see public service workers walking back and forth, tirelessly cleaning up the filth. I see locals – and their guests – dedicating their mornings, spare time, and weekends to protect the beauty of our community. Their efforts are remarkable. But why should it be necessary in the first place?
I do not ask why people litter – we already know. Carelessness, irresponsibility, negligence.
What I am asking is why our city government turns a blind eye to the cause of the problem.
On the hottest days of the recent heatwave, I would regularly bring my dog down to get a drink before returning to the Boardwalk. Was I surprised when recently, while my dog was quenching his thirst, a bylaw officer came running towards me, demanding to know if I had any prior offences or proof of ownership, and warning me that if it happened again, it was a $600 fine. Meanwhile, the area was littered with garbage and broken fireworks.
According to Chapter 548 of the Toronto Municipal Code, littering on public property carries a $500 fine. So why is one bylaw so readily enforced while the other is ignored? How is leaving community members and public services workers to suffer the consequences an act of duty?
Who is really causing harm on the beach – leashed dogs with watchful owners, or people who scatter trash and leave it for the community and the city to clean up?
We don’t have to accept the physical trashing of our community as the price of good weather.
We shouldn’t be forced to spend our free time organizing cleanups just to undo the damage of a careless few. The city has a responsibility to enforce its own laws fairly and consistently. That means applying the same energy used to police dogs on the beach to the people littering in public spaces.
If we can show the resilience to deal with the mess again and again and care for our community, it’s time for the city to meet us halfway—and hold those who trash it accountable.
