the harbour trust was formed in 1850 at the suggestion of the toronto board of trade. on behalf of port users, the board expressed complaints in the operation of the provincial commission, which made no improvements in the harbour. the harbour was beset by silting problems which needed to be rectified. this second commission was governed by a five-man board, two from the city of toronto, two from the board of trade and a fifth appointed by the province of upper canada, nominated by the four other members. the first work it undertook was to remove "certain stones now lying in the channel in front of the queen's wharf."