Toronto Offers Free Island Ferry Tickets to Celebrate 'Waterfront Victory'

Toronto is offering free ferry rides to the city's islands for children and seniors throughout August. This gesture is described as a way to "thank Torontonians for making their voices heard and celebrate the waterfront victory." The city is framing this as a win after the federal government rejected plans to expand Billy Bishop Airport.

The decision to offer free tickets was introduced as a surprise motion by Mayor Olivia Chow during the city council's final session before the summer break. This move comes just days after Federal Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon stated that Ottawa would not support the province's airport expansion plans, which were seen as infringing on public spaces.

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Tens of thousands of Torontonians made their voices heard and the federal government listened.

Mayor Chow has been a vocal opponent of the island airport's expansion to accommodate jets. Following public opposition and the federal government's rejection, the expansion plan was halted earlier this month. Chow emphasized that tens of thousands of Torontonians voiced their concerns, which were heard by the federal government. She added that the free ferry tickets are a small way to express gratitude and encourage more residents to visit the islands and appreciate their value.

In a related development, Mayor Chow is formally asking the province to return land that was expropriated for the failed airport expansion. The city requires certainty regarding this land for an upcoming project to restore Hanlan's Point Beach, but the province has reportedly resisted relinquishing control.

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This is one small way to thank them while making it easier for even more Torontonians to visit the island and see why it is such a precious place.