By Neil Armstrong

As the City of Toronto moves forward with its Toronto Island Park Plan adopted in July 2024, it has been engaging Torontonians on its “projects to enhance and protect the park over time, guided by the plan’s long-term vision.”

Toronto Island Park has long been a favourite place for the Caribbean community and was the site of the first Caribana picnic held at Olympic Island in 1967. Musician Roger Gibbs and his calypso band, Shak Shak, often perform at Ward’s Island.  Centre Island is known for its popular Centreville Amusement Park, and Hanlan’s Point’s popular clothing-optional beach, picnic areas, and reputation as the oldest surviving queer space in Canada, draw many to take the ferries or water taxis across during the summer.

From August 28 to September 13, Torontonians had an opportunity to participate in an online survey to let the City staff know how they can improve the Ward’s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point ferry landings.

The ferry landings revitalization project includes background research, site inventory and analysis, development of early design and recommendations for phasing and implementation.

The City notes that the project is intended to improve accessibility, wayfinding, visitor experience, passenger movement and overall arrival to Toronto Island Park, while also strengthening each landing’s unique identity and aligning with broader Island initiatives. This phase of work is focused on planning and concept development and does not include detailed design or construction.

According to the project’s time, during the summer to fall, the focus was on the development of landing design and enhancement options, including stakeholder and public engagement.

During the winter, they will shift their attention to costing, phasing and implementation recommendations.

“Toronto Island Park has long been a place of cultural and ecological significance. For thousands of years, it has been a site of healing, ceremony and gathering for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous communities. Today, it remains a cherished public space and one of Toronto’s most beloved parks,” notes the city’s website.

It notes that after the Toronto Island Park Plan was adopted in 2024, City Council directed staff to continue engaging key audiences on the implementation by forming working groups that meet regularly.

“These groups formed through a civic lottery bring together people with local knowledge and experience to work with City staff, explore issues and provide advice on projects identified in the Toronto Island Park Plan and on the overall management of Toronto Island Park.

“In addition to the establishment of the three working groups, the City will continue to seek input from the broader public as new projects on Toronto Island are launched.”

The website noted that the Toronto Island Plan includes recommendations to guide improvements over the next 25 years.

Torontonians can now share their thoughts on safety at specific Toronto beaches through the Toronto Beach and Motorized Watercraft Safety Survey. The survey closes on September 22 and can be found on the city’s website.