Help Us Save The Beach
downtown Toronto’s only beach is under threat of development
An initiative to keep the South-facing beach adjoining Ontario Place West Island, known as “Teachbeach,” “Michael Hough Beach,” “Pebble Beach,” or “Peacebeach” to be and remain public property.
Demand an Assessment
Sign the petition
Supporters
Active Swimmers
Save Michael Hough Beach Toronto’s cleanest beach
Our Top Priorities
As one of the best places to swim in Toronto, we aim to keep this prime location for swimming open, accessible, and swimmable to everyone. This is the best way to protect the environment and ensure citizens (and wildlife) of Canada’s largest city have a place to swim.
clean water
TeachBeach is Toronto’s only pebble (sandless) beach, which has unique geological properties, and crystal-clear, grit-free waters.
keep it public
We reject proposals for it being private property, or for privatization of public property that would destroy this amenity.
Beach access
We need a right-of-way path not less than 3 feet (91cm) wide, leading to the beach from the street, become and remain public space.
Organizations with concerns for the beach
The site of Ontario Place was originally conceived of as a retreat for Ontarians who did not have access to summer cottages. It is not just local swimmers and wildlife that are concerned about losing access to the beach.
SwimOP
Thousands of open water swimmers use it regularly year-round, including cold-water swimming for essential mental and physical health therapy.
Ontario Place For All
Ontario Place for All is actively spreading the message that Ontario Place must remain a vibrant, publicly accessible, waterfront park.
World Monuments Fund
WMF aims to safeguard the site’s landscape and built heritage from demolition and privatization, through a web portal and public campaign that will foster broader public recognition of the site.
Future of Ontario Place
A project made possible by a partnership between the World Monuments Fund, the John H. Daniels Faculty at the University of Toronto, and Architectural Conservancy Ontario.
Thexyz
Playing a crucial role in the #SaveTheBeach initiative, by providing web and technical services. This assistance has amplified the reach and enabled efficient communication, and boosted community engagement.
Lets send a message
Sign the petition
Keep TeachBeach public and stop calling the police on swimmers or those cleaning the beach.
Sign the petition
Upcoming Events
Swim
Daily
Daily
We meet for daily swims at the beach. Check SwimOP.com for more.
Join The Discussion
Mention the hashtags #SaveTheBeach or #SaveTeachBeach on social media.
And at 3 pm I'll be taking the plunge at the hidden and unreasonably forbidden treasure some call Teach Beach. Swimming advocates have launched a petition to save the waterfront at Ontario Place. Sign it and join us! /3 https://t.co/aqeCsMpr1L @Hydraulist @CuriousPenguins pic.twitter.com/iSfHw1HHLU
— Sarah Climenhaga for Mayor (@SarahC_Toronto) October 21, 2022
🚨 URGENT 🚨
— Lake Ontario (@LakeOntario16) October 21, 2022
Please read below. And SIGN the petition.I get NEW development is what makes the world go round now a days, but keep it away from my shoreline. @cityoftoronto has caused enough harm to my water already! #greatlakes #lakeontario #toronto #waterfront #rt #TSmidnighTS https://t.co/cSO7gRNFaW
I learned about Teachbeach from @SarahC_Toronto. A hidden gem that should stay that way. Petition to save the beach. https://t.co/lpcmlfsQDO https://t.co/9AVx5H0t5M
— Laura Repo (@thisislaurarepo) October 22, 2022
If you live in Toronto, PLEASE sign this petition to keep this beach public. Save Teachbeach = Toronto's cleanest beach https://t.co/T9BZCci90Z via @CdnChange
— (((David Shore))) (@TheDavidShore) October 21, 2022
Hmm. Sounds improper. Corrupt, even? https://t.co/bOzTgKf1kZ
— David Miller T.O. (@iamdavidmiller) November 2, 2022
Popular beach in downtown Toronto faces threat of private development https://t.co/Gg7udWGaHl #Toronto
— blogTO (@blogTO) October 21, 2022
Save Teachbeach = Toronto's cleanest beach https://t.co/9QDCHpILqW via @CdnChange @ONPlace4All @Penalosa_G #topoli #onpoli @LakeOntario16 @GLOWswimming @soloswims @SwimOntario #Gil4Mayor pic.twitter.com/pYGDgNMCaW
— Steve Mann (@Hydraulist) October 20, 2022
Our beautiful swimming spot in @LakeOntario16 is under threat from development. Sign the petition by @Hydraulist to help save downtown Toronto's cleanest beachhttps://t.co/XnuRuSoriE#savethebeach#SaveTeachBeach
— Curious Penguins (@CuriousPenguins) October 21, 2022
Save Teachbeach @ Ontario Place = Toronto's cleanest beach https://t.co/MVf3ZaZ7SZ via @CdnChange
— Cindy Wilkey (@CindyWilkey) October 21, 2022
Who is behind the Therme Group, the spa company redeveloping Ontario Place? Therme Canada is an opaque organization, privately held, with no publicly disclosed source of financing besides entry fees to its spas. #TOpoli #onpoli https://t.co/PApvDCgZxA
— Spacing (@Spacing) November 2, 2022
Photo Gallery
We have many more pictures on SwimOP.com and our Facebook Group.
Swimmable water protects drinkable fishable water because swimming keeps sewage out of water.