Toronto is set to shift oversight of its ferry service from the parks department to fleet services, following frustrations over long wait times during summer. Councillors expressed discontent with previous management, particularly over planning for new electric ferries anticipated to arrive in 2026 and 2027. Councilor Paula Fletcher highlighted that the parks department lacked necessary logistics for the marine fleet. This shift is part of a broader strategy to enhance ferry services, replace aging vessels, and address increasing visitor demands to the Toronto Islands.
Coun. Paula Fletcher emphasized the importance of the electric ferries, stating, 'It's a marine fleet. It really doesn't have a lot to do with parks... people that do that every day.'
In March, a staff report outlined the city's aging fleet, noting the first new electric ferry is expected to arrive in late 2026 and the second in mid-2027.
Councillors voted to transfer oversight of the ferry service from parks to fleet services following an operational review initiated after last summer's frustration with long lines.
The decision to go electric was made in 2019, yet a detailed cost analysis for necessary docking and charging infrastructure wasn't scheduled until 2024.
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