Toronto's shiny new ferry launched but people wonder what the point is anymore
Toronto's newest ferry was ceremonially launched last week, and despite all the fanfare for these new all-electric vessels, the proverbial wind seems to have been knocked from locals' sails with the future of the islands now unclear.
The City's new Lady of the Quays ferry was launched in a ceremony on May 27, complete with the maritime tradition of smashing a bottle from Toronto's own Distillery District across the vessel's hull.
But despite the ceremonial launch complete with champagne and applause, local opinions on the new vessels seem divided amid the provincial government's push to take over Toronto's waterfront and Billy Bishop Airport.
A major milestone for Toronto's newest ferry 🚢🎉 On May 27, the Lady of the Quays was launched into the water — an exciting step in the vessel’s journey to Toronto.
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) May 29, 2026
The launch also honoured long-standing maritime traditions. A ceremonial bottle smash marked the occasion — a… pic.twitter.com/denxLOigkx
A video of the launch shared by the City was met with a torrent of negativity, with many wondering aloud about the point of these new ferries ahead of a planned expansion of the island airport to accommodate jets.
What difference does it make?
— tru'dat (@trudat2020) May 31, 2026
We should have just saved our money and used the old ones until the islands are paved over for Doug Ford's vanity airport.
The airport expansion's expected encroachment into the harbour, the noise of jets, and a sense of frustration about the City's (forcibly) loosened grip on waterfront assets were all cited as reasons for questioning further investment in island access.
What's the point of this??? There will be a runway in the path and whole new development on the JP Morgan island thanks to @fordnation & @MarkJCarney
— 🍁NastyElbowsUpOpiesNanaFella🌻🇺🇦😷💉🐝🍁🇨🇦 (@OpiesNan) May 30, 2026
Others had further issues with the ferries. One user pointed out that the vessels are not being produced domestically, with the ferries constructed by Dutch shipbuilder Damen's shipyards in Galati, Romania.
A nice launch, but sad that it didn't occur at a Canadian Ship Yard.
— Frank Hood (@rocketoperator) May 29, 2026
One commenter focused squarely on the aesthetics of the new ferry, calling it "dated."
Why does it look dated and old if it’s designed and built in 2026? I was expecting a modern looking ferry. That looks From this century…. At least it’s electric, I’ll take that. 🤷🏻♂️
— Darwin (@ThisIsDarwino) May 30, 2026
Lady of the Quays still requires some finishing touches before the vessel is transported to Toronto later this year.
The second electric ferry, the Toronto Islander, will be launched next month.
City of Toronto
