{"id":588557,"date":"2026-04-07T18:36:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T18:36:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/588557\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T18:36:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T18:36:12","slug":"new-east-west-water-shuttle-pilot-launching-this-summer-in-torontos-inner-harbour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/588557\/","title":{"rendered":"New east-West Water Shuttle Pilot launching this summer in Toronto’s Inner Harbour"},"content":{"rendered":"

Toronto\u2019s East-West Water Shuttle Pilot is launching this summer, providing a new way for people to move across the city\u2019s Inner Harbour.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, Waterfront Toronto released new details about the initiative, including the company that will operate it.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know:<\/p>\n

The new service, piloted by Waterfront Toronto in partnership with the City of Toronto and Toronto Port Authority (TPA), will run from June to September for an initial three-year term.<\/p>\n

It will have three stops: Ookwemin Minising, Port Lands \u2013 providing direct access to Biidaasige Park; Yonge Street Slip \u2013 serving the central waterfront; and Portland Slip \/ Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport \u2013 connecting the western waterfront.<\/p>\n

The pilot aims to test the feasibility of expanded water-based transit across Toronto\u2019s Inner Harbour. Details of the pilot, including schedules and fares, will be announced in the coming months.<\/p>\n

\"\"Toronto’s Inner Harbour A view of Toronto’s Inner Harbour. (Waterfront Toronto\/photo) <\/p>\n

York Bay Marine Services will serve as the operator for this new seasonal service. <\/p>\n

The company, which has more than two decades of experience operating in Toronto Harbour, currently manages several waterfront facilities, including the Kiss n\u2019 Sail at Yonge Street Slip, Toronto Island Marina, Island Yacht Club, and Toronto Harbour Nautical Centre. It also operates marina infrastructure on the Toronto Islands and has a \u201cstrong track record supporting marine access and waterfront operations,\u201d Waterfront Toronto said in a news release.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Toronto\u2019s waterfront community continues to grow, we anticipate that marine transportation in the harbour will complement land-based alternatives, which has occurred in New York, Sydney and Stockholm. York Bay is pleased to be executing this pilot project to test our confidence in people\u2019s use of this new downtown transportation network,\u201d Bill Duron, the chair of York Bay Marine Services, Inc., said in a news release.<\/p>\n

\"\"Toronto waterfront Harbour Square Park and Toronto Ferry Terminal from south, aerial views of Toronto
\nDate: Sept. 17, 2010
\n(Archival Citation: Fonds 219 > Series 2311 > File 3084 > Item 372) <\/p>\n

This new shuttle service is a recommendation from the Sea Bus Feasibility Study<\/a>, which outlined a phased approach to testing and implementing expanded east-west focused water-based transit like other major waterfront cities. <\/p>\n

This pilot aims to be a first step to better understanding ridership demand, operational requirements, and service performance on Toronto\u2019s waterfront. <\/p>\n

It also uses an inclusive model that will allow for additional service providers. <\/p>\n

Further, it supports the 2020 Marine Use Strategy<\/a>, which is led by Waterfront Toronto, in partnership with the City of Toronto, Toronto Port Authority, and Toronto Region Conservation Authority. <\/p>\n

This strategy is a long-term roadmap that \u201chighlights ways to balance the diverse uses of Toronto\u2019s harbour while exploring opportunities for people to more easily access and interact with the harbour, by water and by land.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"New Year’s Eve in Toronto People make their way along the lakeshore ahead of the New Year’s fireworks display over Toronto’s inner harbour, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/ Tijana Martin <\/p>\n

Calling for \u201cmore connections to more destinations,\u201d Waterfront Toronto said it encourages water-based transportation options that support the city\u2019s growing waterfront communities. <\/p>\n

\u201cRooted in our Marine Use Strategy\u2019s vision of more connections to more destinations, the East-West Water Shuttle Pilot is an exciting step toward realizing the full potential of Toronto\u2019s harbour and a meaningful demonstration of what a world-class waterfront city can offer its communities,\u201d George Zegarac, Waterfront Toronto\u2019s president and CEO, said in a release.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to have York Bay Marine Services on board to deliver this important pilot, one that will help us better understand how water-based transit can serve Toronto\u2019s growing waterfront for generations to come.\u201d <\/p>\n

This summer, the Inner Harbour connects east to west in a whole new way!<\/p>\n

Waterfront Toronto, in partnership with the @cityoftoronto<\/a> and the @TOPortAuthority<\/a>, has selected York Bay Marine Services as the operator for the East\u2011West Water Shuttle Pilot – a seasonal service\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/kNPaqGfZca<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Waterfront Toronto (@WaterfrontTO) April 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the city\u2019s waterfront is growing fast and new ways are needed to help people move across it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis water shuttle pilot is about building a more connected city, linking communities from the Port Lands to the western waterfront and making it easier for people to get where they need to go. We are investing in practical, innovative solutions that expand transit options, reduce congestion, and open up our harbour for everyone to enjoy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The Toronto Port Authority, meanwhile, said it is a \u201cstrong advocate\u201d for water-based transportation is the city, adding it is \u201cproud to partner on this exciting pilot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToronto\u2019s waterfront presents a unique opportunity to expand multi-modal access through new routes, serving both short trips along the shoreline and longer cross-city connections,\u201d said RJ Steenstra, TPA\u2019s president and CEO.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeading waterfront cities such as Vancouver, Sydney, and London have successfully integrated water-based transportation into their broader transit networks, and we are committed to exploring innovative solutions that enhance access, address congestion and keep the city and region moving.\u201d<\/p>\n