The Beaches might one of Toronto's most idyllic neighbourhoods, but there's trouble brewing by the water. That's because some residents are unhappy with the chain restaurants at 1681 Lake Shore Blvd. E., in Woodbine Park.

Local company Tuggs Inc., currently has a 20 year lease on the boardwalk properties (it used to run the Boardwalk Cafe) as well as at other neighbourhood spots, including concessions at Kew Gardens and the Donald D. Summerville Pool.

As the Toronto Star writes, Tuggs got its long lease in order to keep mom-and-pop shops by the beach. Yet a Carters Landing (an establishment owned by restaurant giant Cara Operations Limited) and a Tim Hortons have since moved in.

Now, Tuggs is trying to a reassign a portion of its lease to Cara. City Council will debate this item, likely at its October 5 meeting.

Beaches residents, however, are taking matters into their own hands and have started a petition against the proliferation of franchises at Woodbine Beach Park.

The goal of this petition is to ask Ward 32 city councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon to, "stand up at City Hall on October 5 2016, and ask her fellow Councillors not to approve the 'Request for City Consent for Assignment and Sub-Lease by Tuggs Incorporated to Cara Operations Limited of 1681 Lakeshore Boulevard East.'"

So far, the petition has amassed more than 400 signatures on Change.org.