Visitors to Toronto Islands must have the ‘permanent link’ option: councillor

Visitors heading to the Toronto Islands should have the option of a “landline connection,” a councilor says.

Don Valley East Count. Jon Burnside is asking city staff to explore the possibility of a permanent connection – such as a pedestrian bridge – to the islands in Lake Ontario.

At present, visitors can only get there by boat – and with the city’s ferry service under pressure, Burnside says staff should report on the price tag of such an option, compared to the cost of a continued ferry service.

“The city is in the process of replacing these ferries, but costs have skyrocketed,” Burnside said in a motion to council.

“Torontonians value their parks and green space, but were recently told not to visit the islands due to excessive ferry demands.”

On June 15, the city warned travelers to avoid periods of high traffic to the islands as a few ferries were out of service for repairs.

Two of the city’s ferries – Thomas Rennie and the Trillium – were not operating and are not expected to return to service for a few weeks.

Instead, city officials suggested using water taxis — a private service — or choosing another day to visit the islands. It also advises visitors to take the ferry before 10am and return to the mainland by 5:30pm

Toronto’s ferry fleet carries more than 1.4 million passengers annually and is an “essential service for residents and visitors of Toronto Island,” the city said on its website. website.

“Although well maintained, current ferries are between 50 and 100 years old and exceed the industry average lifespan,” it added.

Toronto is moving forward with plans to replace its diesel fleet with electric ships, but this is not expected to be completed until 2026.

April Engelberg, a bridge advocate, proposed the idea when running for the Spadina-Fort York council seat in 2022. Ausma Malik was ultimately chosen to represent the area.

Engelberg set up a drawbridge to connect the city’s Port Lands to the eastern edge of Ward’s Island — a 15-minute bike ride from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, she said.

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Safety concerns have been raised about Toronto’s water taxis

The drawbridge, similar to one in Manchester, England, would rise to allow cargo ships into the harbor while allowing pedestrians and cyclists regular access to the islands, Engelberg said at the time.

Burnside is requesting a report detailing the number of pedestrians and cyclists that can be accommodated year-round, and reporting to the infrastructure and environment committee before the city’s standing committee or council approves the next ferry procurement contract takes into consideration.

His question The city council will discuss this on June 26.

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