Sneak preview of the new Toronto Island ferry design, from Toronto Island Advisory Committee meeting today at City Hall.
The new ferries will more or less keep the iconic look we all know. All the existing ferries will be replaced in coming years; they are all far past their operational lifetime. There’s funding now for two boats, one for passengers only, the other for passengers and vehicles. Two more will come later. They are longer than the present ferries, about a metre wider, with greater capacity, and are designed to use the same docks.
The new passenger-only ferry will hold around 1300 people versus 800 or 900 now.
The passenger/vehicle ferry will hold around 650 people or more depending the number of vehicles. They will be electricity-diesel hybrids. Possibly we’ll see the first new ferry as early as 2021. Washrooms are on both floors. This passenger/vehicle ferry will be able to break ice only to some extent, as an ice breaker ferry designed to break thick ice would be prohibitively expensive.
Many thanks to David Stonehouse of the Waterfront Secretariat for leading a great a walk of Corktown Common, Oowemin Minesing, and along the water's edge promenade to Sugar Beach. We were thrilled to have a spontaneous appearance from Jed Kilbourn, Director Development Planning for Waterfront Toronto. Both have unmatched knowledge of Toronto's amazing waterfront revitalization. It was a beautiful night for a walk, and we learned a lot.
Thanks to all who attended our AGM on March 10, 2025.
Chair Ed Hore gave his sort-of annual Review of what's happening on the waterfront.
Joe Cressy, Chief of Staff, Waterfront Toronto, gave an inspiring talk on WT's projects, including Ookwemin Minising, Toronto's brand new island. Here's his deck.
Johanna Kyte of TRCA gave a fascinating overview of TRCA's waterfront projects.
We will post a recording of the meeting soon.
We invite you to attend our online Waterfront Review & Annual General Meeting on Monday, March 10th at 7 pm to hear influential waterfront experts describe what’s happening on the Toronto.
Waterfront! The Waterfront Review will be followed by a brief AGM.
WATERFRONT REVIEW SPEAKERS
The Year in Summary — Ed Hore, Chair
— Waterfront for All
Joe Cressy, Chief of Staff
— Waterfront Toronto
Johanna Kyte, Senior Manager,
Government & Community Relations
— Toronto & Region Conservation
Authority (TRCA)