Toronto’s waterfront got a new transportation option this week as officials gathered at the Ookwemin Minising Dock next to Biidaasige Park yesterday to launch the east-west water shuttle pilot. Representatives from Waterfront Toronto, the City of Toronto, the Toronto Port Authority and operator York Bay Marine Services marked the start of the seasonal service, which began public operations today.
Project partners on board the East-West Water Shuttle during the launch event, image via twitter.com/WaterfrontTO
The pilot project connects three docks along a four-kilometer route through Toronto’s Inner Harbor: Portland Slip near Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Yonge Street Slip in the central waterfront area and Ookwemin Minising in the Port Lands, which provide direct access to Biidaasige Park. The service operates daily from 11am to 7pm until September and uses vessels carrying up to 12 passengers. Journeys between stops take around 15 minutes and from end to end around 30 minutes. Regular fare is $15 plus tax, while a reduced fare of $5 and expanded evening service will be offered on FIFA World Cup matchdays and weekends between June 12 and July 2.
Route map showing the East-West Water Shuttle Pilot and its three stops in Toronto’s Inner Harbour, image courtesy of Waterfront Toronto
“For the first time, Waterfront Toronto connects key points along the Inner Harbor by water,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “Toronto’s waterfront has always been one of our greatest assets, and today we’re making it a little easier to enjoy.”
Mayor Olivia Chow addresses the crowd, image by Anthony Teles
The pilot project is the result of a broader effort to expand transportation options along Toronto’s waterfront. Waterfront Toronto, the City of Toronto, the Toronto Port Authority and other partners identified maritime transportation as a priority under the 2020 Ocean Use Strategy, while a subsequent feasibility study recommended testing east-west port transit as part of a pilot program. The service is designed to collect information on performance, ridership, operational needs and long-term viability as the waterfront districts continue to grow.
“It’s a first step toward what we hope will eventually become a more robust lake bus system that connects to the city’s larger transportation system, and we believe the potential for that is really significant,” said Chris Glaisek, Waterfront Toronto’s chief planning and design officer.
The East-West Water Shuttle, image courtesy of Waterfront Toronto
The launch comes as the ongoing redevelopment of Toronto’s entire waterfront, particularly in the eastern boroughs, where new parks, housing, employment districts and public infrastructure are transforming former industrial areas. Officials noted that projects in the East Bayfront, Quayside, the Port Lands and East Harbor are expected to bring tens of thousands of residents and jobs to the region in the coming years and increase demand for additional transportation options.
“This water shuttle is part of that connection to communities; it connects destinations,” said George Zegarac, president and chief executive officer of Waterfront Toronto, “and it reconnects us to the lake itself. It is another step in our evolution from a waterfront city to a true city on the water.”
George Zegarac, President and CEO of Waterfront Toronto, speaks to attendees, image by Anthony Teles
The three-year program is designed to evaluate whether expanded maritime transportation could play a larger role in Toronto’s transportation network. Ridership, operational performance and customer feedback will be monitored throughout the pilot. There is an opportunity to add vessels if demand exceeds the capacity of the original boat.
“This pilot is about more than just a new service; it’s about learning, it’s about testing and it’s about gathering the insights we need to shape the future of waterfront mobility,” said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority.
Project partners pose next to the East-West water shuttle, image by Anthony Teles
York Bay Marine Services was selected to operate the pilot following a competitive procurement process announced earlier this year. The company has more than two decades of experience in the Port of Toronto and manages multiple dock facilities, including the Yonge Street Slip Kiss n’ Sail Dock, the Toronto Island Marina and the Island Yacht Club.
“The East-West Shuttle will connect more people in our port and open up new destinations and new experiences to explore, making our waterfront even more beautiful every day and especially in the summer season,” said Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik.
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik speaks to the participants, picture by Anthony Teles
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