New infrastructure is required at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to charge the electric ferries each time they dock. Recharging infrastructure is not required at the Island docks because the batteries hold enough charge for multiple trips. Regular passenger ferry service will continue throughout construction. Commercial vehicle ferry service to the Islands may be interrupted at times.
The City has allocated funding to build this supporting electrical infrastructure.
The work includes:
New charging towers charge the batteries of electric ferries when they dock. Although the ferries are designed to make four round trips without charging, each ferry will typically charge every time it docks at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
The work includes connecting the docks to the appropriate electrical supply and modifying the supply through specialized equipment in new “e-houses” to suit the charging requirements. New charging towers will connect with the electric ferries when they dock to charge the batteries. The system’s fast-charging capability ensures the batteries can be charged for a full round trip in about six minutes.
Related work on the dock itself is also required to accommodate the shape of the new ferries.
CreateTO is responsible for overall project management and construction delivery.
City Council updated the ferry replacement project to 100 per cent electric ferries and approved the budget to advance the construction of two electric ferry vessels and the supporting shore-side electrical infrastructure.
Design and tendering of electric shoreside infrastructure improvements at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Work will take place in the eastern laneway throughout the duration of the project, with one lane remaining open at all times to ensure access.
Commercial vehicle ferry service to Toronto Island Park routed through Billy Bishop Airport. Passenger service continues at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Installation of new mooring infrastructure.
Toronto Hydro to install additional capacity to deliver the electrical power necessary to charge the new electric ferries.
Shoreside infrastructure construction to be ready to charge vessels by November 2026.
Vessel delivery window for the passenger and vehicle Ferry.
Vessel delivery window for the passenger Ferry to Toronto.
The timeline is subject to change.