Toronto residents can now help name two new fully electric ferries that will carry more passengers to and from the Toronto Islands, with an online vote open until April 6.
The vessels will be the first new additions to the Toronto Island Ferry fleet in more than 60 years, according to a City of Toronto news release issued March 11. Each will carry more than three times as many passengers as the ferry it replaces.
The city says the replacement vessels will improve boarding flow, offer upgraded accessibility features and modern amenities, and help the service accommodate growing demand. Their electric operation is also intended to reduce emissions along the waterfront.
Voting is open to Toronto residents through the city’s webpage and is limited to one vote per household. The deadline is Monday, April 6, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, and the city plans to announce the two winning names this spring.
Names focus on the waterfront and connections
A committee of city staff and community partners developed the shortlist for the four-week public vote. The names were selected to meet the city’s Property Naming Policy and Transport Canada requirements.
The committee favoured non-commemorative names connected to Toronto’s waterfront, natural surroundings and geography, as well as ideas of movement and connection.
The city says each option was assessed for uniqueness, ease of pronunciation and suitability for long-term public use. Names also had to be readily distinguishable in marine communications and welcoming to a broad audience.
Deliveries expected in late 2026 and early 2027
The first new ferry is expected to arrive in late 2026 and will carry both passengers and vehicles. The second, a passenger-only vessel, is expected in early 2027.
Delivery will not mean an immediate start to public service. Each ferry will need several months of commissioning, crew training and lake trials before it begins carrying passengers.
In the release, Mayor Olivia Chow described the ferries as an investment in the waterfront and linked the fleet modernization to Toronto’s commitment to net-zero emissions.
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, who represents Spadina-Fort York, said the higher-capacity electric vessels would improve trips to Toronto Island Park. She also highlighted the public’s opportunity to participate in the boat-naming tradition as the city continues its waterfront revitalization.
