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PortsToronto to Install “Duckling Docks” to Address Concern for Drowning Ducklings in Toronto Harbour

17/06/2021
Toronto (June 17, 2021) – In response to recent reports about a lack of resting places for ducklings along the waterfront, PortsToronto will be installing four “duckling docks” at water level at Portland, York, Yonge and Jarvis slips. The installation will begin tomorrow, June 18, 2021, in the early afternoon.

 
PortsToronto is committed to the Toronto Harbour and doing what it can to make the harbour clean, safe and enjoyable. Though building such docks is not an obvious area of expertise for PortsToronto, the organization is experienced in the construction of infrastructure and has consulted with the Toronto Wildlife Centre for advice on how best to build the docks and where to place them. Following consultation with the Toronto Wildlife Centre, a “duckling dock” design was established that will provide an accessible floating rest area for young ducklings still growing their waterproof down.
 
"Toronto Wildlife Centre is thrilled that PortsToronto would react to this situation as quickly and as professionally as they have. And we expect many other waterfowl will also benefit from these floating docks," said Andrew Wight, Rescue and Release Manager at TWC. "This is a relatively simple solution to a large problem."
 
In order to move quickly on the installation and address the immediate concern, the duckling docks will be installed in areas where PortsToronto owns or has jurisdiction. In the coming days if other areas are identified as being better suited for the intent of the docks, PortsToronto is open to having discussions with waterfront partners that own and operate other areas along the waterfront to move or add docks.
 
Each dock, essentially a wooden platform 12-inches wide and six-feet long that will be attached to an existing floating dock or dock wall, will feature a beveled edge to make it easier for ducklings to climb aboard. The docks will be branded with PortsToronto’s logo to ensure the floating wood is not mistaken for debris and removed.
 

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About PortsToronto
For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada's largest freshwater marinas; and, Marine Terminal 52, which provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port of Toronto. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $12 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond.