Rally at the Toronto Region Board of Trade with Doug Ford and Kinga Surma

October 3rd wasn’t just another day for us swimmers; it was a day we stood shoulder to shoulder, raising our voices against a looming threat to our beloved beach. Standing there amidst the sea of determined faces, the hum of protest chants, and the hydrauliphone. 

However, it was deeply disheartening to witness the challenges faced by some of our community members. Despite holding valid tickets to enter the Toronto Region Board of Trade, several were turned away, with their mobility devices being cited as a "security concern." The shifting narratives and eventual forceful eviction by the police were not only unexpected but also in stark contrast to the essence of inclusivity and fairness we were rallying for.

The incident involving the lawyer from Ontario Place for All was particularly jarring. The video below captures this unnecessary escalation, a sobering reminder that our fight for access, justice, and transparency is far from over. Even in the face of such challenges, our spirit remains unbroken. We all had valid tickets, and our intentions were pure and respectful. 

Thank you once again for being there, for your support, and for the strength you bring to this cause. Together, we'll continue to push for what's right. Scroll down, and you'll see the day as I saw it, raw and impassioned.

I think this sign in the winner and goes first

Doug Ford cartoon

Various musical instruments were heard, along with a Hydrauliphone

Swimmers, blonde wigs, and protestors join the rally

No Spa and other chants, people really don't want a Therme MegaSpa at this public park

A human sign that does not want a private MegaSpa.

Many swimmers from SwimOP were also present and quite easy to spot. 

Yes, the pebble beach we all know and love. Let's savethebeach.ca

$600 million in corporate welfare does seem like a lot. 

We already have a spa. Let's stop this ecocide.

Being so close to the lake got some of us excited to swim. 

I have no comment here

People want to Stop Ford, just like they did with the Greenbelt scandal

Michael Hollett from NextMag chats to the CBC. 

Say No! to Ford's Corruption. 

Despite holding valid tickets for entry into the Toronto Region Board of Trade, some of us faced barriers due to our mobility devices being labeled as "security concerns.

Below you'll find a video capturing a lawyer from Ontario Place for All being forcibly removed. This level of escalation was shocking, especially given that we were in possession of valid entry tickets, each with its own reference number.

Despite our legitimate reasons for being there, we encountered a barrage of excuses and were ultimately escorted out by the police, being told we were on private property.