Toronto Reveals Names for New Electric Ferries Ahead of Waterfront Modernization
Toronto new electric ferries Lady of the Quays and Toronto Islander will begin arriving between 2026 and 2027
TORONTO — Toronto’s next generation of electric ferries officially have names.
Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik joined City staff on Thursday to unveil Lady of the Quays and Toronto Islander as the names selected for Toronto’s two new electric ferries, which are expected to begin arriving between late 2026 and 2027.
The new vessels will replace aging ferries currently operating between downtown Toronto and the Toronto Islands — some of which are nearly 90 years old.
Public Vote Drew Nearly 18,000 Responses
The ferry names were selected following a public engagement campaign that invited Toronto residents to vote on shortlisted options developed by a committee of City staff and community partners.
According to the City:
- Lady of the Quays received 15 per cent of total votes and was submitted by the York Quay Neighbourhood Association
- Toronto Islander received 11 per cent of votes and was supported by groups including the Waterfront BIA and Hanlan’s Point Beach Working Group
The City says nearly 18,000 votes were cast during the four-week voting period.
Lady of the Quays will be a passenger and vehicle ferry arriving in late 2026, while Toronto Islander will operate as a passenger-only vessel beginning in 2027.
First New Ferries in More Than 60 Years
Toronto officials describe the electric ferry project as a major modernization effort for one of the city’s most recognizable transportation services.
“These vessels represent a historic investment in Toronto’s waterfront,” Mayor Olivia Chow said in a statement. “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 says the ferries will:
- Carry more than three times as many passengers as the vessels they are replacing
- Provide improved accessibility features
- Offer upgraded passenger amenities
- Improve boarding flow and efficiency
- Operate as zero-emission electric ferries
Infrastructure Upgrades Underway
The City, through CreateTO, has already completed early infrastructure improvements at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to prepare for the new electric fleet.
Work completed over the winter included upgrades related to:
- Future charging systems
- Docking infrastructure
- Terminal modernization
Final charging infrastructure is expected to be installed by the end of 2026 before ferry testing begins.
Additional Improvements for Toronto Island Visitors
City officials also announced several visitor experience upgrades planned for the 2026 summer season, including:
- Improved queueing areas at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
- New digital service information screens
- Expanded Bike Share Toronto stations at ferry landings
- Enhanced accessibility and priority boarding areas
- Restoration of the Centreville train and antique carousel
- New attractions at Centreville, including a small roller coaster
- Mobile payment options through Apple Pay and Google Pay
- A new ferry and Toronto Island audio tour
Major accessibility and environmental improvements are also underway at Hanlan’s Point Beach, including dune protection systems and upgraded bike parking.
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik said the new ferries will help make Toronto Island Park more accessible while supporting broader waterfront revitalization efforts ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“As we continue to revitalize our waterfront and welcome visitors from near and far, these ferries will make it easier for more people to visit Toronto Island and everything it has to offer,” Malik said.
The City says the project forms part of Toronto’s long-term effort to modernize waterfront transportation infrastructure while reducing emissions and preparing for increased tourism and population growth.
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