City to look at ‘relief vessels’ to provide more ferry service to Toronto Islands
City staff will look at acquiring “relief vessels” to provide additional service to Toronto Islands while Toronto waits for electric ferries it has ordered, council decided on Thursday.
At its meeting, council approved a motion 21 to 1, moved by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, that directs the general manager of parks, forestry and recreation to explore the possibility of leasing or otherwise retaining relief ferries to ease the long lines for service that have developed at the docks.
Council also approved the purchase of two new electric ferries to serve Toronto Islands at a price tag of $92 million. The boats will replace aging ferries which currently serve the island park’s 1.4 million annual visitors. The electric ferries, however, are not expected to be delivered until late 2026 and early 2027.
Chow told council is “finally, finally” putting the order in for new ferries to the Toronto Islands.
“My motion basically is to say: ‘Hey, why don’t we see if we could lease, rent something in between now and the end of 2026 to get people over to the island,'” Chow said.
“Let’s explore it and probably we’ll have to invest in it. But I won’t regret providing this kind of support, transportation, we can call it that, to get people over the island, instead of having them wait for an hour-plus in the hot sun with screaming kids. It’s very difficult,” Chow added
“In the meantime, I urge our parks staff to find ways to bring more food trucks, some entertainment — maybe clowns, whatever it might be, buskers — to entertain some of those folks that are unfortunately lining up to get over to the island.”
Existing ferries up to 114 years old
When asked about the size of the relief ferries that she had in mind, Chow said she didn’t know and would leave that decision up to the engineers.
Damen Shipyards Galati will build the electric ferries in Romania following council’s approval of the tender award.
Toronto’s ferry fleet consists of four vessels and one historic ship with a total capacity of 2,400 passengers. The existing ferries are between 61 and 114 years old and are beyond the average industry lifespan. The new vessels are to be delivered in late 2026 and early 2027.
The two new vessels are expected to increase the city’s ferry capacity by over 400 passengers per trip for the passenger and vehicle vessel and nearly 1,000 passengers per trip for the passenger vessel, a city staff report to council says.
“Delivery of the new vessels will also enhance the passenger experience with contemporary ferry designs and amenities, reduce anticipated repair costs of the current fleet, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the ferry fleet transitions from diesel to electric.”
The city began preparations to buy replacement boats in 2015, and city council has changed the specifications of vessel design a number of times, leading to cost escalations.
Initially, the city was going to purchase diesel ferries, but it opted for a more expensive, environmentally-friendly purchase of electric ferries to save $815,600 in operational savings and $642,800 in fuel savings annually.
View original article here Source
Queen Size 4 Piece Sheet Set - Comfy Breathable & Cooling Sheets - Hotel Luxury Bed Sheets for Women & Men…
$29.99 (as of July 26, 2024 14:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Maydear Face Painting Kit for Kids with 12 Colors Safe and Non-Toxic Large Water Based Face Paint (Matte)
$13.39 (as of July 26, 2024 14:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Mat with Carrying Strap
$26.99 (as of July 26, 2024 14:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bedsure Satin Pillow Cases 2 Pack Queen - Grey Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin - Similar to Silk Pillow Cases…
$10.99 (as of July 26, 2024 14:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Glad White Garbage Bags - Tall 45 Litres - ForceFlex, Drawstring, with Febreze Fresh Clean Scent, 50 Trash Bags,…
$11.88 (as of July 26, 2024 14:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sunzel 10" / 8" / 5" / 3" Biker Shorts for Women with Pockets, High Waisted Yoga Workout Shorts
$20.99 (as of July 26, 2024 14:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag for Women Men, 5L/10L/20L/30L/40L Roll Top Lightweight Dry Storage Bag…
$20.59 (as of July 26, 2024 14:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Toys for Girls Boys, Colorful Doodle Board Drawing Tablet, Memo Board, Drawing Pads with Lanyard, Travel…
$22.99 (as of July 26, 2024 14:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face Sunscreen & BUNDLE, Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB Sun Protection for all Skin Types,…
$28.00 (as of July 26, 2024 14:11 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)