planned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA, but then known as the Metropolitan Toronto Regional Conservation Authority). It began as a long, slender finger of bare land stretching out into the lake, and developed several lobes enclosing small bays. It was eventually colonized by a variety of plant life. Development plans and political challenges The provincial government gave the TRCA the mandate to develop parks, beaches and recreation areas along the waterfront from Mississauga to Ajax. This was referred to as the Metro Waterfront Plan and excluded only the area between Leslie St. and Dufferin St. (roughly the eastern harbour to Ontario Place in the west). Even at this early stage, there were reports that there was little coordination between TRCA (a joint Metro Toronto - provincial body), the City's planning department and the federal Harbour Commission. From this period until 1985, the proposed public area on the Spit was referred to as the Aquatic Park. Public discussions on the future of the site were held in June 1974 and proposed uses included mooring for over 500 boats, along with bicycling, picnicking and fishing facilities. A Master Plan was prepared for the TRCA and the details were publicized in March 1976. The consultants' report proposed significant development, including expanded marinas (now mooring for 1,500 boats), an amphitheatre, a water ski area and a hotel. Former City of Toronto councillor Colin Vaughan portrayed the consultation process as narrowly focused in a February 1977 article. Vaughan cited the following language from the terms of reference for the consultants: "to produce an active water-oriented recreation concept featuring major boating, swimming and aquatic facilities" and noted that only 20 acres of the 250 acres under study were set aside for naturalized areas. The Master Plan was criticized by several groups and in the end, governments were not prepared to fund the high cost on a relatively controversial proposal. In 1984, the TRCA launched a new planning process for the Spit as the organization acknowledged that the 1976 plan was "no longer appropriate". There was significant lobbying by sailing and naturalist groups, however, the Spit was becoming naturalized with little interference. However in 1976 the Aquatic Park Sailing Club was formed on one of the embayments. It is still operating today with mooring balls for 100 sailboats and a clubhouse and dock. The members also consider themselves stewards of the spit. They are