The two new electric ferries like the one above will cost about $30 million each and will be sailing across Lake Ontario by 2026.
City officials say the cost of two high-tech electric ferries will be higher than first expected.
The electric ferries will replace an older fleet to transport people, goods and vehicles from Jack Leighton Terminal across Lake Ontario to Toronto Island Park, Wards Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point.
A report to the City’s General Government Committee on April 17 said it will cost almost $6 million, or $1.5 million more, for construction support services for the two electric ferries and shore-side infrastructure.
It will cost more than $30 million for each electric ferry.
The Thomas Rennie ferry was acquired in 1951 and can carry up to 915 passengers plus vehicles and goods.
The City said it is improving access to Toronto Island Park by replacing its ferry fleet with electric vessels, building supporting electrical infrastructure at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, and reviewing all practices to improve efficiency and visitor experience for years to come.
The ferries are expected to begin service transporting passengers, vehicles and cargo by mid 2026.
The City’s ferry fleet carries more than 1.4 million passengers and 5,000 vehicles annually on its four vessels.
These vessels have a combined capacity of about 2,400 passengers and provide an essential service to Toronto Island residents and visitors. The ferries are between 50 to 100 years old and beyond the average industry lifespan.
The William Inglis ferry was acquired in 1935 and has the capacity to carry 389 passengers and vehicles.
The shift to electrification supports the City’s TransformTO Net Zero Strategy and commitment to accelerate climate action to achieve net zero city-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The change will lead to annual savings of more than $1.1 million yearly in fuel costs.
The current fleet includes four diesel-fueled vessels and one heritage vessel.
They include the Sam McBride, which was acquired in 1939 and can carry 915 passengers; the Thomas Rennie was acquired in 1951 and can carry 915 passengers; the William Inglis was acquired in 1935 and has capacity for 389 passengers and The Ongiara was acquired in 1963, has capacity for 220 passengers and vehicles.