1.2K 
Toronto’s long-planned transition toward a modernized Island ferry system took another step forward today, as the City unveiled the names of its first two fully electric ferries while showcasing ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Announced by Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, the new vessels — Lady of the Quays and Toronto Islander — are now being built in Romania, while works at the downtown ferry terminal continue to prepare for charging infrastructure, expanded passenger capacity, and upgraded accessibility supporting the roughly 1.4 million annual trips to Toronto Island.
“These vessels represent a historic investment in Toronto’s waterfront,” said Chow. “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.”
The names were selected through a four-week public vote that drew nearly 18,000 submissions. Lady of the Quays, submitted by the York Quay Neighbourhood Association, was selected for the new vehicle-and-passenger ferry replacing the Ongiara, while Toronto Islander was chosen for the passenger-only replacement for the 1935-built William Inglis. Scheduled to arrive in late 2026 and 2027, respectively, the vessels will significantly increase passenger capacity, with both ferries accommodating up to approximately 1,300 riders.
The replacement vessels will introduce wider ramps, accessible washrooms, enclosed passenger areas, improved circulation layouts, and expanded seating while modernizing a fleet whose main vessels date from 1935 through 1963. The first ferry will retain winter ice-breaking capability while increasing carrying capacity over the existing Ongiara, while future replacement plans for the Sam McBride and Thomas Rennie remain included within the City’s long-term capital program.
“Toronto is welcoming two new, higher capacity, faster, all-electric ferries,” said Malik. “These vessels will make trips to Toronto Island Park even more accessible and enjoyable. Naming boats is a long-standing tradition and I’m excited that Torontonians had the opportunity to help name these new additions.”
Designed by Quebec-based Concept Naval and being built by Damen Shipyards in Galati, Romania, the ferries form part of the City’s TransformTO emissions reduction strategy. Once all four primary ferries are replaced, the City estimates the transition could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 2,900 tonnes annually and lower fuel costs by more than $1 million per year. Residents previously selected the ferries’ “Art + Social” interior concept through a public vote favouring a brighter, gallery-inspired design.
The City also outlined waterfront and Toronto Island improvements planned ahead of the summer season, including upgraded queueing areas and digital displays at the ferry terminal, accessibility and dune restoration work at Hanlan’s Point Beach, expanded Bike Share facilities, and new and returning attractions at Centreville. The ongoing upgrades also connect to longer-term ambitions for the future transformation of the ferry terminal and Harbour Square Park area, first explored through Waterfront Toronto’s 2015 design competition.
Looking east in March, 2026, marine construction activity is underway beside the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal as crews continue infrastructure upgrades supporting the incoming electric ferry fleet. A lattice-boom crane extends its hoist line toward a neighbouring floating platform, where workers are handling a large rebar cage likely tied to dockwall and marine foundation works. Behind the waterfront hoarding, a vertical drilling rig equipped with a rotary piling attachment rises above the site, indicating ongoing foundation and mooring infrastructure installation associated with the terminal’s new electrical charging and docking systems.
A view from the waterfront boardwalk, a few days later, captures the large cylindrical steel reinforcement cage that has now been staged alongside additional pipe sections and construction materials awaiting installation.
Looking west across the waterfront, the full extent of the marine works comes into view as construction continues on the shoreside infrastructure. Temporary trailers, staging areas, construction fencing wrapped in blue screening, and stockpiled materials line the terminal frontage. A green articulating boom lift operates on the right for works associated with the electrical systems and charging infrastructure that will support the incoming ferries beginning in late 2026.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
* * *
UrbanToronto's research and data service, UTPro, provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe—from proposal through to completion. Other services include Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.
