Hanlan's Point Beach is one of Toronto's most important public spaces. For more than 80 years, it has been a place where 2SLGBTQIA+ communities have gathered, celebrated, and built community. As Canada's oldest surviving queer space, preserving its history while protecting its future remains one of my priorities.
Working alongside the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority, Toronto Port Authority, City staff and community members, we've made significant progress to protect and enhance this unique part of Toronto's waterfront. Together, we've secured recognition of Hanlan's Point Beach as a historically queer space, ensured the Toronto Island Park Master Plan will not include a permanent concert venue, established the Hanlan's Point Beach Working Group to guide future improvements, and advanced heritage recognition of Canada's first Pride celebration in 1971. We've also delivered new ecological protections, improved beach access, and supported the creation of the iconic Rainbow Road, designed by queer artist Travis Myers through a community-led fundraising effort.
In 2026, high Lake Ontario water levels and ongoing shoreline erosion threatened access to Hanlan's Point during the height of the beach season. After hearing from many community members, I worked with City staff, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and community partners to quickly respond. City Council approved my motion directing staff to urgently restore safe public access while protecting the beach's sensitive ecology and accelerating sand renourishment to stabilize the shoreline.
That work is now delivering results:
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New sand will be added to help restore the beach in the off-season
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Access has been improved with clearly marked beach entrances
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More planting starting this fall will enhance the ecology of the area
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Community amenities, including the Mermaid Café area, are being enhanced
These investments are helping ensure Hanlan's remains both an environmentally healthy shoreline and a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors.
Protecting Hanlan's also means standing up for Toronto's waterfront. I continue to oppose the Province's attempts to override the City's role in decisions about our waterfront, including legislation affecting the future of the Island Airport. Toronto's waterfront belongs to the people who live here, and decisions about places like Hanlan's should be made with our communities—not imposed upon them.
Hanlan's Point Beach is a place of history, belonging, and joy. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together, and I'll continue working with community advocates, residents, and City staff to ensure this extraordinary space is protected and strengthened for generations to come.
Read more about ongoing work at Hanlan’s Point and across Toronto Islands.