Angus Armstrong, Harbourmaster Emeritus of PortsToronto, shared his observations on what impacts COVID-19 might have on recreational boating and commercial shipping; the ongoing development of the Don River mouth in the Port Lands; and the changing face of recreational boating in Canada. COVID-19 will lead to scrutiny of commercial crews coming to Canada from abroad, at Montreal and in British Columbia. Recreational boaters crossing to and from the United States can expect a tighter regime of customs reporting, probably including the removal of "remote reporting (phone in)" of arrivals to Customs in the two countries. Entry will instead involve face-to-face reporting to customs officials, likely at centralized inspection locations. Port Lands development of the Don River mouth will focus on flood plain management and soil remediation, with projected completion in 2024. A notable trend in recreational boating is a shift from traditional sail and power boating to small human-powered craft such as kayaks and paddle boards. This trend has significant implications for the safety of users of such craft on Lake Ontario, as they are unlikely to be familiar with the dangers of Lake Ontario, which is effectively an inland sea. Education and possibly regulation might be indicated. Angus faced numerous questions from the many Shellbacks in attendance. Information on COVID-19 can be found on the web site of the Canadian government: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html About Angus Armstrong
Angus Armstrong has close to 40 years of experience working on the Toronto Waterfront. He began as the lifeguard for the Toronto Harbour Police in 1970 after working through high school and becoming Head Lifeguard for the Eastern Beaches of Toronto. In 1977, he was promoted to Leading Hand of the Toronto Harbour Police. In 1982 the Toronto Harbour Police amalgamated with the Toronto Police Services. Angus continued with the TPS in the Marine Unit. He became Head of the Marine Unit’s dive team. While with the Marine Unit, he became active in many security and safety organizations around the Great Lakes. Those organizations include: • International Association of Marine Investigators (member) • Canadian Safe Boating Council (Board Director) • Ontario Regional Boating Advisory Council to the Canadian Coast Guard (member); • International Association of Arson Investigators (member); • International Association of Marine Investigators (member); • Dive Rescue (Underwater Certified Investigator) • National Association of Fire Investigators (Certified Fire & Explosives Investigator) In 2003, Angus retired from the Toronto Police Services and took the position of Chief of Security for the Toronto Port Authority. In 2004, he became Harbour Master for the now called Port of Toronto. He was responsible for all security at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the Marina, and the Port itself. He also oversaw traffic control for the Toronto harbor area and was responsible for environmental concerns in the vicinity. Angus is now Harbour Master Emeritus of the Toronto Port Authority. He continues to keep his finger on the pulse of the occurrences and plans for the Toronto Waterfront.
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