UMVA has learned that a fresh face will grace Toronto’s waterfront in 2026, as the city unveiled the winning names for its two brand‑new electric ferries.
With a decisive 15 % of the vote, “Lady of the Quays” claimed the top spot and will christen the first electric ferry slated to arrive before the year’s end, carrying both passengers and vehicles.
Trailing closely, “Toronto Islander” captured 11 % of the ballots and will adorn a passenger‑only vessel expected to glide onto Lake Ontario next year.
Mayor Olivia Chow heralded the twin ships as a historic leap forward, noting they are the first new ferries in more than six decades and will dramatically boost capacity while ushering in a fully zero‑emissions fleet.
Beyond the sleek hulls, the city is rolling out a suite of summer upgrades: a new audio tour, refreshed terminals at Jack Layton and Hanlan’s Point Beach, and expanded cycling facilities at every landing.
At Centreville, longtime visitors can rejoice as the beloved train ride returns after a seven‑year hiatus, alongside fresh attractions that promise longer, lively weekends.
The electric ferries will eclipse the aging fleet—some vessels are nearing a century old—by carrying more than three times as many passengers, streamlining boarding, and featuring cutting‑edge accessibility and comfort amenities.
Charging infrastructure for the new vessels is slated for completion by year’s end, ensuring a seamless transition to clean power.
Community groups rallied behind the names, with the York Quay Neighbourhood Association proposing “Lady of the Quays” and multiple local organizations championing “Toronto Islander,” among other creative finalists like “Bluebell II” and “Harbour Swan.”
In a parallel surge of water traffic, the inner harbour recorded significant gains last year, prompting a three‑year water‑shuttle pilot that will link Portland Slip, Yonge Street Slip, and Ookwemin Minising, expanding Toronto’s aquatic reach beyond the islands.
