City could explore a bridge, tunnel or even a gondola to get more visitors to Toronto islands
New city staff report recommends task force consider near, medium and long-term access options
The city could soon start exploring options for getting more people to the popular Toronto Island Park, including the construction of a fixed structure like a bridge, tunnel or even an overhead gondola.
A new staff report heading to executive committee on Tuesday recommends council strike a task force that includes members from key city organizations — such as Waterfront Toronto and Ports Toronto — to begin looking at near, medium and long-term solutions for easing travel to and from the islands.
The idea of a permanent link between the mainland and the islands is not new and multiple proposals have been brought forward over the years. But the possibility has gained more attention recently as the city's aging ferry fleet has struggled to meet demand and long lines at ferry terminals and water taxi docks have become commonplace during the summer months.
"I know what a pain it can be to get to the island, especially during those peak months when we all want to be there," said Coun. Ausma Malik in an interview with CBC Radio's Metro Morning on Thursday.
Malik is deputy mayor and a member of the executive committee. She also tabled the 2024 motion that asked staff to put together a summary of potential options for improving access to the islands that are included in the new report.
The report lays out several potential options for a fixed link spanning the Eastern Gap, the waterway separating Ward's Island on the west side from the Port Lands on the east. The gap is roughly 220 metres to 265 metres wide and could plausibly be spanned by a number of different pedestrian and cyclist bridge designs, or an underwater tunnel or gondola.
There are a host of potential pitfalls with any plan for a fixed link, however, the report says.
"The constraints would not make a fixed link project impossible, but they do indicate that such a project would not be quick, simple or inexpensive. Further, a fixed link would not replace the need for planned short-and medium-term investments in Toronto Island access, many of which are underway now," it says.
A bridge would cost at least $100 million, while the other options would likely be costlier, and take a decade or more to complete.
The Eastern Gap is a critical shipping channel and any protracted disruption could cost millions in economic losses, the report says. There are also myriad technical concerns, such as navigational clearance for ships, height restrictions and jurisdictional issues in Toronto Harbour.
Similarly, there is currently very limited public transportation to the area of the Port Lands where a fixed link would be built, and the situation is not likely to improve until about 2040, staff says. Ward's Island and Cherry Beach are also designated as environmentally significant areas and provincially significant wetlands.
"A fixed link should therefore be thought of as a potential long-term project, possibly to coincide with the future development of planned mixed-use precincts in the Port Lands, with the potential to complement, not replace, existing initiatives," the report continues.
There are a number of measures already underway to get more people to the islands, Malik said. The city has increased the number of licenses for water taxis, with 53 operating last year and another five set to begin running this summer. Two new fully electric ferries are set to come online soon, one in 2026 and the second in 2027.
Waterfront Toronto is also reviewing a possible "sea bus" pilot program that could offer east-west service along the harbour and trips to Toronto Island Park, Malik said.
If the report makes it through executive committee, it will considered by city council on May 21, 22 and 23.