The Ontario Marine Council has strongly objected to a recent decision by Toronto City Council to order two electric propulsion ferry vessels from a foreign shipyard to help replace the aging fleet of Toronto Island Ferries serving more than 1.4 million annual visitors. Costing some $92 million, the two electric ferries are slated to be delivered by Damen Shipyards Galati (Romania) in late 2026 and the second quarter of 2027.
The Ontario Marine Council declared it “takes great pride in our province’s centuries-old history of shipbuilding and its world-class heavy manufacturing supply chain. That is why we are deeply disappointed by the City of Toronto’s recent decision to progress final negotiations with a foreign company that will build the next generation of Toronto Island Ferries outside of Ontario and Canada, directing over $90 million of Toronto taxpayers’ money to a foreign shipyard.”
“This decision negatively impacts local shipyards and thousands of workers in Ontario who are struggling to maintain steady work, affecting countless jobs and families. The economic impact of this decision is significant.
- $45,000,000 in lost wages for shipyard workers in Ontario
- $12,000,000 in lost Provincial taxes
- $47,000,000 of funds for Ontario Based suppliers
- 335 jobs
“The Ontario Marine Council will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize Canadian Marine industry, Ontario workers and companies, striving to bring shipbuilding back to our province. This includes strongly encouraging Toronto to reconsider an Ontario Made solution for the Toronto Island Ferries and prioritizing Ontario suppliers on subsequent procurements, such as the potential for “relief
vessels” and additional new-build vessels for the city of Toronto.”
Three of the city’s ferries and one replacement ferry have been shuttling passengers back and forth to the popular summer destination – a 15 minute trip. But demand has been outstripping supply, with frequent long line-ups.
(Photo of Toronto Island ferry)
