When I lived in NYC I used to take the Roosevelt Island tram fairly frequently and always enjoyed it, though it is beset by the same problems as the Toronto Ferries (long waits and crowded queuing areas). I do think a draw bridge or swing bridge is a critical element feature to add here, and I think there's a very good rationale for it being located in the eastern gap, when you consider the billions spent in making the Portlands a livable place. In the fullness of time, the urbanization of that area is sure to continue southwards beyond its current boundary, and there is federal ownership of some of those areas that would make a bridge of some sort more feasible.

I'm not particularly sympathetic to the view that marine access is required for all boats of all types at all times; the western gap is sufficient for pleasure craft and sailboats (and I say this as an RCYC member who has often ventured out through both gaps), and you could probably engineer the span in such a way so as to allow many of the former to pass underneath. Bridge draw/swings could happen for only essential commercial traffic (i.e. Redpath) that can't fit through the western gap.

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source
 
I don't see why adding a different type of link would be an advantage over just adding a few more ferries. As the eastern waterfront develops, add a ferry dock to the keating channel, walking distance to the QQE streetcar and Villiers island. Run ferries from there to the Ward's dock, and add an electric shuttle from Ward's to Gibraltar point with a few stops in between.
 
tsm1072 said:
I don't see why adding a different type of link would be an advantage over just adding a few more ferries. As the eastern waterfront develops, add a ferry dock to the keating channel, walking distance to the QQE streetcar and Villiers island. Run ferries from there to the Ward's dock, and add an electric shuttle from Ward's to Gibraltar point with a few stops in between.
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Baring climate warming, ferries would be hampered by freezing lake waters.
 
W. K. Lis said:
Baring climate warming, ferries would be hampered by freezing lake waters.
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It is rare that the lake freezes enough to fully stop ferry traffic. Demand is significantly lower in the winter, so less ferries need to run. I'm more wondering if the demand for the islands is higher than can be effectively served by water transportation. I doubt it. A few more ferry docks (both in the city and on the island) serving smaller ferries can drastically improve coverage and serve smaller demand areas.
 
What I see as a potential problem with additional ferry docks is that they are harder to integrate with rapid transit. Usually, there is a long walk from rapid transit station to a ferry dock and this is not just in Toronto.

On the other hand, a gondola can be right next to a rapid transit station and can be more convenient for those who do not live in downtown.

I would argue that a gondola is also a more environmentally friendly solution, compared to ferries. However, there is technology available to make ferries more eco friendly, than the ones currently being used.
 
UrbanDan said:
What I see as a potential problem with additional ferry docks is that they are harder to integrate with rapid transit. Usually, there is a long walk from rapid transit station to a ferry dock and this is not just in Toronto.
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Actually the Queens Quay LRT station is only one stop from Union Station and about 50 meters from the ferry terminal. Even union station is only about 700 meters from the ferry terminal. With the updates planned to Queens Quay LRT station there will be a direct connection to the terminal. I do not believe there is a long walk to the ferry docks in Toronto.
 
UrbanDan said:
What I see as a potential problem with additional ferry docks is that they are harder to integrate with rapid transit. Usually, there is a long walk from rapid transit station to a ferry dock and this is not just in Toronto.

On the other hand, a gondola can be right next to a rapid transit station and can be more convenient for those who do not live in downtown.

I would argue that a gondola is also a more environmentally friendly solution, compared to ferries. However, there is technology available to make ferries more eco friendly, than the ones currently being used.
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If it wasn't for the sandbar that the Docklands and Islands were originally created from, they could send the Cherry Street or Broadview Avenue streetcars into a tunnel all the way from the Docklands over to the Islands.

The Toronto Islands Were Once a Large Peninsula Before a Huge Storm Struck​

From link.

From the unparalleled views of the city skyline and the picturesque sandy beaches to the winding bike paths and open-air dining options, the Toronto Islands are unlike any other destination in the city.

And while over 1.2 million people visit the Islands every year, most visitors might not know that the popular destination was once a large peninsula before becoming the chain of 15 small islands that you can visit today.
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That’s right, some 170 years ago you could have taken a long walk out to the shores that now require a boat to reach.

The Toronto Islands were originally a long peninsula named ‘Menecing‘, which translates to “On the Island” in the Ojibwa, and was comprised of a series of connected sand spits that held spiritual significance for the Mississaugas. The long beach was considered a place of healing and the Mississaugas brought their sick here to recuperate.

However, a series of storms disconnected the body of the peninsula from the mainland. The first major storm struck in 1852 and the strong waves worked to erode the peninsula and temporarily form islands before the resulting channel was repaired and filled with sand and connection to the mainland restored.

However, six years later in 1858, a more severe storm in April permanently created the island that is now Ward’s Island when the storm completely separated the peninsula from the mainland and the gap was not repaired, leading to the creation of the Toronto Islands as they exist today.
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https://twitter.com/x/status/1250092701594161154
 
Having done their social pinpoint (broad survey of ideas and how popular they are)

They've slightly consolidated and represented the ideas for endorsement (or not) on a scale of 1 - 5) .

I would encourage interested UT members to follow this link and vote accordingly.

FWIW, I had particular affinity for the environment, dark skies ( limited lighting in key spots, so one can find places to see the stars); diverse and quality eats at a range of price points; and integrating the ferry service w/Presto.

Here's the link:


7 pages of things to vote on!
 
dowlingm said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1401241284132679683
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Congestion in terms of transport to the Islands is a real problem; though the severity is almost certainly exaggerated with all patios, amusement parks, cinemas, malls etc still closed; the immediate severity of the problem will recede some with opening, which should begin in earnest within 1 week at the latest and likely a day or two sooner.

****

The above should not read as an excuse for not addressing the issue.

An issue which would be at least partially alleviated by letting people access the island via the tunnel to the airport..................

But that's another thread....
 
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