News Release<\/p>\n
March 11, 2026<\/p>\n
The City of Toronto is inviting Toronto residents to help choose names for two new fully electric ferries as part of the modernization of the Toronto Island Ferry fleet. These will be the first new ferries in more than 60 years and will carry more than three times as many passengers as the vessels they are replacing. They will provide better boarding flow, upgraded accessibility features, and modern amenities, helping meet growing demand. The ferries will also reduce emissions and support a more sustainable waterfront.<\/p>\n
To mark this historic milestone, the City is launching a public vote to name the two new electric ferries. A committee, comprised of both City staff and community partners, developed a shortlist of eligible names and residents now have the opportunity to select the final names through a four-week online public vote.<\/p>\n
Ferry name shortlist:<\/p>\n
Bluebell II: Inspired by bluebell wildflowers found on the Toronto Islands;
\nBlue Current: Represents water currents and the clean electric energy powering the ferry;
\nGreat Lake Dancer: Captures the motion and energy of Lake Ontario;
\nHarbourlight III: Highlights the glow of the harbour and skyline lights guiding waterfront travel;
\nHarbour Swan: Inspired by swans in Toronto Harbour; symbolizing graceful, quiet movement;
\nIsland Willow: Named for the willow trees lining Island pathways;
\nLady of the Quays: Reflects Toronto\u2019s waterfront quays and welcoming harbour presence;
\nThe Harbour Passage: Highlights the ferry connection between the waterfront and Islands;
\nToronto Islander: Celebrates the connection between Toronto residents, visitors and the Island;
\nWater Strider: Inspired by insects gliding smoothly across water, mirroring the ferry\u2019s movement;
\nDiscovery VI: Celebrates exploration and travel across Toronto Harbour;
\nIsland Chickadee: Named for Islands\u2019 chickadees, symbolizing curiosity and nature;
\nCloudbreaker: Evokes ferry cutting through harbour skies and cloud reflections.<\/p>\n
How to vote\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
All Toronto residents are invited to vote online on the City\u2019s webpage<\/a>.\u00a0Voting closes on\u00a0Monday, April 6,\u00a0at 11:59 p.m.\u00a0and the\u00a0two\u00a0winning names will be announced\u00a0this\u00a0spring.\u00a0Voting is limited to one vote per\u00a0household.\u00a0<\/p>\n How were the shortlisted names chosen\u00a0<\/p>\n Names on the shortlist were selected\u00a0for\u00a0their alignment\u00a0with the City\u2019s Property Naming Policy and\u00a0Transport Canada requirements.\u00a0The committee\u00a0prioritized non-commemorative names that reflect Toronto\u2019s waterfront, natural environment, geography and themes of movement and connection. All names were evaluated to ensure they are unique, easy to pronounce, clearly distinguishable in marine communication, welcoming to a broad audience and suitable for long-term public use.\u00a0<\/p>\n The first ferry, arriving in late 2026, will carry both passengers and vehicles, and the second ferry, arriving in early 2027, will carry passengers only.\u00a0Following delivery, each vessel will undergo several months of commissioning, crew\u00a0training\u00a0and lake trials before entering service. More information on the City\u2019s new electric ferries is available online.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Quotes:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThese new electric ferries\u00a0represent\u00a0a historic investment in Toronto\u2019s waterfront and a major step forward in building a cleaner, greener city. As the first new ferries in more than 60 years, they will help modernize this vital service while supporting our commitment to net-zero emissions.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0excited for residents to help choose names that will carry these ferries\u2014and Toronto\u2014into a more sustainable future.\u201d \u201cToronto is getting new, higher capacity, faster, electric ferries that will make the trip to Toronto Island Park even better. Boat naming is a long-standing tradition and\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0excited that Torontonians get to be a part of naming the new ferries. As we continue to revitalize the waterfront and welcome visitors from near and far, these new ferries will connect more people to Toronto Island and all it offers.\u201d Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada\u2019s leading economic engine and one of the world\u2019s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122 and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website<\/a> or follow us on X<\/a>, Instagram <\/a>or Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
-Mayor Olivia Chow\u00a0<\/p>\n
-Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York)\u00a0<\/p>\n