The long-term future of the charitable event is now in doubt.

For 13 years, the Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise has hosted Paddlefest at Speers Point Park.

Races for outriggers, dragon boats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and even Scout-made boats have been regular items on the program.

And while family fun and participation has been a priority, Paddlefest has also been a generous fund-raiser for local charities.

The event has donated about $180,000 to local charities in its 13-year history.

Rotarian and event director Pam Dean-Jones said there were several reasons for shelving Paddlefest in 2020.

"We think the event and the team need a refresh after 13 years, and I think we need to step back from it a bit, to come up with good ideas," she said.

"We know the energy of the organising committee, the numbers of paddlers and the amount sponsors can give have declined - that all suggests it's time to look at new options."

Paddlefest in recent years:

The Rotary club would also have its hands full hosting the 2020 Rotary District Conference in March next year.

"We are expecting more than 300 delegates for a two- to three-day day event at Belmont 16s. It's a huge commitment for us, to organise speakers, entertainment and all the other stuff that event organisers do, and we know we just don't have the resources to run Paddlefest at the same time," Ms Dean-Jones said.

"Perhaps it's a good coincidence, given we need to rethink Paddlefest anyway."

The Rotary club has not yet decided whether or not Paddlefest would return in 2021 or beyond.

"We haven't decided when or if Paddlefest will return in the future. We'll make a decision in consultation with some of the groups who have been loyal supporters," she said.

The club would, however, run Winterfest on the Toronto foreshore in August this year, Ms Dean-Jones said.

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