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TORONTO, June 5, 2026 — Just in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Toronto’s waterfront marked an exciting milestone today as Waterfront Toronto, the City of Toronto and the Toronto Port Authority officially launched the East-West Water Shuttle Pilot — a seasonal service designed to assess the feasibility of expanded water-based transit across Toronto’s Inner Harbour. The shuttle service opens to the public on Friday, June 5.
Today’s launch at the Ookwemin Minising stop was celebrated by Mayor Olivia Chow, Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, Waterfront Toronto President and CEO George Zegarac, and Toronto Port Authority President and CEO RJ Steenstra. The service is operated by York Bay Marine Services, selected through a competitive Request for Proposals process and was announced as operator in April 2026.
“As Toronto’s waterfront community continues to grow, this new harbour transportation service has the potential to be as popular as those systems in Sydney, New York, Vancouver and Stockholm. Our company and water taxi partners will provide a safe, affordable and enjoyable experience on the water,” said Bill Duron, Chair, York Bay Marine Services, Inc.
“Toronto’s waterfront is one of our greatest assets, and initiatives like the East-West Water Shuttle pilot help people experience it in new and exciting ways. This pilot is about testing how we can better connect our waterfront communities, improve mobility along the harbour, and give residents and visitors another way to enjoy our city’s public spaces,’ said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto.. As we continue to build a more connected waterfront, we are focused on practical, people-centred solutions that bring Toronto closer together,” added Mayor Chow.
Where to Catch the Toronto East-West Water Shuttle
The pilot connects three stops along Toronto’s Inner Harbour: Portland Slip (steps from Bathurst Quay Commons, near Billy Bishop Airport), Yonge Slip, and Ookwemin Minising (Biidaasige Park), linking some of the waterfront’s most active destinations and newest public spaces by water. It’s intended to provide an alternative travel option along the waterfront, offering a convenient and more enjoyable way to get around some of the city’s most heavily trafficked areas.
When Does the Water Shuttle Service Run?
Service runs seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m with extended hours based on demand, from June through September, over a minimum three-year period.
How Much Does it Cost to Ride on the Water Shuttle?
Comparable to existing water taxis, tickets are priced at $15 and can be purchased on site at the docks or online at eastwestshuttle.ca. As a starting point, shuttles will depart hourly and accommodate up to 12 passengers. A second and third vessel may be added when demand requires, increasing departures to every 30 minutes to ease capacity at busy stops during peak periods.
Through the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Legacy Program, fares on FIFA World Cup 2026™ Toronto Match Days and weekends between June 12 to July 2 will be $5 for a shuttle between Ookwemin Minising and Portland Slip, with extended service hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
From Vision to Voyage
The East-West Water Shuttle pilot initiative was a recommendation of the Seabus Feasibility Study and responds to the Movement stream of the 2020 Marine Use Strategy, which calls for “more connections to more destinations” and expanded public marine transportation options to better serve Toronto’s growing waterfront communities.
This pilot is the opportunity to test real-world demand, refine operations, and lay the groundwork for a potential future broader water-based transportation system. As the shuttle operator, York Bay Marine will manage all day-to-day operations and gather ridership data and passenger feedback throughout the service. That information will drive ongoing adjustments to the shuttle service during the three-year term and will help inform future planning. Waterfront Toronto’s role is to monitor and evaluate the pilot’s performance at a program level, using what is learned to shape the long-term future of water-based transit on the waterfront.
“The East-West Water Shuttle pilot is an exciting step in bringing Toronto’s waterfront closer together. It creates a new way for residents and visitors to experience the harbour, connect to key destinations, and enjoy some of the city’s newest public spaces. We’re proud to help launch this pilot and look forward to seeing how it can shape the future of movement along the waterfront,” added George Zergarc, CEO and President, Waterfront Toronto.
About Waterfront Toronto
Waterfront Toronto was created in 2001 by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the City of Toronto to catalyze public and private investment on the waterfront. It is working to create a vibrant, connected waterfront that belongs to everyone. In addition to attracting private investment and jobs, Waterfront Toronto promotes the social and ecological health of the area, making it a landmark of 21st century urbanism.
image and notes by Waterfront Toronto
