WHEREAS one hundred years ago on June 18, 1910, the launch of the steam powered Toronto Island ferry, the Trillium, took place at the foot of Sherbourne Street in the City of Toronto.

Crafted at the Polson Iron Works shipyard for the privately owned Toronto Ferry Company, Trillium was added to the Island ferry fleet to help carry the ever increasing crowds wishing to visit the pleasures and attractions across the bay. During the spring, summer and fall, Trillium carried hundreds of thousands of baseball fans to Hanlan's point where the home stadium of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Triple 'A' International League was located. It's quite possible that George Herman 'Babe' Ruth, a one-time member of the Providence Grays, a team the Leafs frequently played, was one of Trillium's many passengers.

In 1919, Trillium was granted the honour of ferrying visitors to the Royal Canadian Yacht Club where Edward, the Prince of Wales, officiated at the cornerstone laying ceremony for the Club's new, and present, main building.

Originally retired from service in 1957, Trillium languished in an Island lagoon until 1973 when the City approved its complete rehabilitation. The project took place over two years under expert initiative and guidance. Trillium returned to service in May of 1976.

Today, Trillium is the only steam side-paddle-wheeler in North America still in regular use. It is truly a piece of history that is unique to Toronto.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim June 18, 2010 as "Trillium Centennial Day" in the City of Toronto.