Toronto’s aging fleet of ferries traveling to the city’s harbour islands is in need of replacement, as the current vessels are over 60 years old and prone to unexpected service disruptions. The cost of two new ferries was originally budgeted at $25 million, but has since ballooned to $92.2 million due to the decision to opt for fully electric vessels instead of diesel or hybrid options. This cost does not include the necessary upgrades to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to accommodate the larger ferries and the installation of dockside charging stations.
City staff anticipate that a fully electrified fleet will result in a reduction of emissions equivalent to about 600 cars. The additional capacity for passengers is also expected to increase revenue for the city, offsetting some of the cost. It is estimated that four electric ferries will save the city approximately $1 million per year in fuel and other expenses. Furthermore, the ferries will require charging every four trips, with each charge taking about six minutes to complete.
Before officially signing off on the order for the new ferries, councillors are calling for a more comprehensive understanding of the total life-cycle cost of the vessels. Factors such as fuel, maintenance, parts, and shoreside infrastructure should be considered to ensure council has a complete picture of the commitment they are making. Some councillors are also questioning whether the city’s parks department, which is overseeing the process, has the necessary expertise to manage the procurement and maintenance of a fleet of ferries, suggesting it may be outside their core business.
Despite the concerns raised, the general government committee has approved the order for the new ferries, leaving the final decision to city council when they convene later in the month. The increased cost of the vessels, driven by the shift to electric options and rising material costs, has raised questions about the city’s ability to manage the procurement and maintenance of the ferries effectively. However, the potential benefits of reduced emissions, increased capacity, and cost savings from transitioning to electric ferries are seen as valuable for the city in the long run. Ultimately, the city council will need to weigh these factors and decide on the best course of action for replacing the aging ferry fleet servicing Toronto’s harbour islands.