Torontonians hoping to hit the waters this summer will have more opportunities to access rental equipment, thanks to a number of new business permits issued along the waterfront.

“It’s just about animating our parks and our lake and the beach,” says Beaches-East York Councillor Mary Margaret McMahon, who brought the proposal to Parks and Forestry’s real estate department this year. “What I would hear back in 2010 when I was door knocking to run for election was people were saying ‘why can’t we do anything to do on the beach? It’s beautiful to swim, but if I don’t have my own boat, I can’t use a boat’.”

Two new water equipment kiosks have opened up along the beaches, as well as a bike rental service. All three business were granted permits through a tender process. “We’re legalizing what has been happening here illegally,” says McMahon.

But while many lake lovers have been enjoying the rentals, some in the neighbourhood aren’t happy with the location of one of the businesses.

“It just showed up in the middle of the day, and it was just parked there with no explanation,” says area resident Indra Seja. One of the trailers offering kayaks and paddle boards is stationed at the foot of Balsam Avenue and Hubbard Boulevard, directly in front of her porch view of the beach. “I’ve given them a number of suggestions, anywhere it’s not blocking the view of tenants,” says Seja. “It’s only this end of the beach where the park is so narrow.”

Seja and her neighbours have begun circulating a petition they say now has more than 250 signatures. The group says they’re not opposed to the equipment rentals, just the location of this particular one. “Our battle is with the decision made in Parks without any council authority to give him that position.”

Councillor McMahon says the original plan was to have the kiosk further down the beach, but because of rising water it was placed on the north side of the boardwalk. “We don’t consult on everything. When it’s city property and it’s lake Ontario the city has a right to utilize their space as they see fit it,” she says. “It’s just a balance for the greater good, and as far as views, it’s not taking up the whole beach.”