Toronto’s first two electric ferries get names after contest
· Toronto Sun
There’ll be a new lady in town for 2026.
On Thursday morning, the City of Toronto announced the winners of its contest to name two new electric ferries. Coming in first place, with 15% of the vote, was Lady of the Quays.
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That moniker will be used by the city’s first electric ferry, which is expected to arrive late this year.
The second-place pick – Toronto Islander, with 11% of the vote – will be used for a ferry due to hit Lake Ontario next year. Unlike Lady of the Quays, which will carry both passengers and vehicles, this ferry will handle passengers only.
“These vessels represent a historic investment in Toronto’s waterfront,” Mayor Olivia Chow said, per a city press release.
“As the first new ferries in more than 60 years, they will modernize this essential service, significantly increase capacity and support a fully zero-emissions fleet. The city continues to improve visitor experience and access to the Toronto Island, helping prepare for a busy summer and the FIFA World Cup.”
Changes to ferry service
The city says in addition to going electric, there will be a host of changes to the ferry service this summer, including a new audio tour. The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Hanlan’s Point Beach will both see upgrades, and cycling options are being expanded at ferry landings.
Meanwhile, at Centreville, there will be new attractions as well as the return of the train ride , which has been sidelined since 2018 due to flooding. (The amusement park is open for special longer hours this long weekend.)
Existing fleet to get upgrade
While the city has emphasized the environmental benefits of the electric ferries, it also says they will be a big upgrade on the existing fleet. The electric ferries will carry more than three times the passengers as the old ships, some of which are 90 years old.
“The ferries will provide better boarding flow, upgraded accessibility features and modern amenities, helping meet growing demand. The ferries will also have zero emissions and support a more sustainable waterfront,” the city’s press release says.
The Lady of the Quays name was submitted by the York Quay Neighbourhood Association. Toronto Islander had been submitted by multiple groups.
The city says 17,700 votes were cast over the four-week contest. Some of the other names on the ballot included Bluebell II, Cloudbreaker, Harbour Swan and Island Chickadee.
All charging infrastructure for the new ferries should be installed by the year’s end.
Rising traffic on waterfront
The Lady of the Quays is coming at a time of increased demand for ferries. This month, the Waterfront BIA announced it saw “ significant gains ” in water traffic in the inner harbour, including charters and excursions, last year.
Torontonians will also soon be taking trips on Lake Ontario along the waterfront, not just to the islands and back.
York Bay Marine Services will operate a three-year water shuttle pilot project that begins in June. The route will go from the Portland Slip near Billy Bishop airport to Ookwemin Minising near the mouth of the Don River, with a stop at the Yonge St. Slip.