08/14/2025
On my walk at Rouge Beach this morning, I saw garbage in the bushes, locked recycling bins, unsafe sandy trails, and poorly maintained facilities.
Rouge Beach is a jewel in our community it deserves better.
Today, I sent a formal letter to Parks Canada, the City of Toronto’s Parks department, and our elected officials calling for immediate improvements to keep it safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.
Here’s a copy of my letter:
Dear Mr. Hallman,
I’m reaching out as a candidate for City Councillor in Ward 25, and as someone who has called this community home for 19 years. I walk Rouge Beach and the surrounding trails often, and over time I’ve seen a steady decline in how this area is maintained. What I’m sharing here is not just my own concern, but what I hear regularly from the people who live and spend time here.
When the City of Toronto was responsible for the park, it was well cared for. The beach was raked twice a week, garbage was collected on a regular schedule, and the facilities were kept in good condition. Now, the difference is hard to ignore.
On my most recent visit, I noticed:
✅Garbage along the beach, in picnic areas, and in the bushes.
✅Recycling bins that are locked, with no signs telling visitors what to do with their waste.
✅Trails covered in sand, making them unsafe for cyclists and challenging for pedestrians.
✅Evidence of open fires on the beach, even though they’re not allowed.
✅The City’s garbage bin at the Lawrence Avenue and Rouge Hills Drive parking lot has been removed, leaving people to toss their trash wherever they can.
There are also bigger issues that affect the visitor experience and public health:
✅Permanent washrooms have been removed and replaced with portable toilets that aren’t cleaned often enough.
✅There are no public water fountains, even in the summer when people need them most.
Rouge Beach is one of the most beautiful places in our community. It’s a space where families, seniors, and visitors come to relax, exercise, and connect with nature. But without proper upkeep and facilities, the quality of this park is being eroded.
I’m asking Parks Canada, together with the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation team, to take immediate steps to:
✅Bring back adequate garbage and recycling bins, with clear signage.
✅Resume regular garbage collection and beach maintenance.
✅Return the garbage bin to the Lawrence Avenue and Rouge Hills Drive parking lot.
✅Provide permanent washrooms again, or at least ensure portable toilets are monitored and cleaned daily.
✅Install public water fountains.
✅Increase enforcement to stop illegal fires and other unsafe activities.
✅Daily Water Testing, this is essential to quickly detect unsafe bacteria levels and protect public health.
I’m committed to working with all involved to make sure Rouge Beach is safe, clean, and welcoming again. I’d be glad to meet or speak with you to discuss how we can get this done.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jose Moreno
City Councillor Candidate – Ward 25 (Scarborough–Rouge Park)
[email protected]
647.998.0525
