Jan 28, 2025

On behalf of Ontario’s $4.5 billion recreational boating industry, Boating Ontario proudly hosted the 2025 Waterfront Tourism Summit during the 67th annual Toronto International Boat Show. The event welcomed over 65 delegates from across the province, spanning from Temagami to Windsor, Sarnia to Belleville, Kingston to Niagara, and beyond. Designed to share ideas and growth strategies with municipal decision makers across the province as well as introducing regions to the concept of ‘looking at their town from the water’, the Summit was an exceptional success.

Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture & Gaming, the Honourable Stan Cho, welcomed the delegates, sharing heartfelt stories of his personal connection to the water. His speech inspired attendees, highlighting how Ontario’s waterways can support tourism and strengthen the economy.

Boating Ontario CEO, Rick Layzell, highlighted the significance of the Summit, stating, “We first hosted the Waterfront Tourism Summit in 2020, and today we delivered exceptional information and key takeaways focused on infrastructure development and connecting local businesses to the tourism opportunities created by recreational boating.”

The event’s focus was educating municipalities on the economic value of viewing their towns from the water, rather than solely from road or rail. Speakers shared actionable insights into waterfront development strategies, infrastructure improvement opportunities, and engineering processes. An additional emphasis was placed on connecting existing business communities with their waterfronts to encourage collaboration and long-term economic benefits.

A key highlight of the day was a guided tour of the Toronto International Boat Show, allowing delegates to see firsthand the size and significance of the boating industry. Delegates left the Summit with invaluable insights and practical strategies to bring back to their communities.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the exceptional content, and valuable information presented throughout the day.

Boating Ontario remains committed to advocating for and supporting the growth of Ontario’s recreational boating industry while helping municipalities harness the potential of their waterfronts to build stronger communities and boost their economies.

About Boating Ontario
Boating Ontario proudly represents over 500 member companies throughout the province of Ontario including private & municipal marina operators, boat dealers, brokers and suppliers in Ontario’s diverse recreational boating industry. Boating Ontario, through collaboration and partnerships provide all our members with critical and regulatory support for all aspects of their business through information, advice, direction as well as practical money saving programs. Ultimately our goal is to increase the recreational boating market and promote the lifestyle enjoyed by those already involved in the industry. For more information, visit www.boatingontario.ca  or contact us at 1 (888) 547-6662.