We are excited to share that the first electric ferry to grace our harbour will be christened Lady of the Quays, a name newly submitted by YQNA! The second ferry will be Toronto Islander. As you may recall, the City conducted a naming contest.  YQNA submitted five names and we participated on the City’s naming committee, which agreed on a 13-name shortlist, including two from YQNA, which was then put out for public vote. After 17,700 votes were cast, Lady of the Quays emerged as the winner with approximately 15% of the vote (and our second name, Harbour Swan, placed third by a narrow margin).  Lady of the Quays is expected to arrive at the end of this year and go into service next spring. She will replace the Ongiara as the passenger and vehicle ferry, with a capacity of 650 passengers and 14 vehicles or 1,300 passengers. Long may she sail!

Amsterdam Bridge is Back

YQNA helped celebrate the restored Amsterdam Bridge at Harbourfront Centre on May 31. City Councillor Ausma Malik and Mayor Olivia Chow were among the speakers and more than a hundred people who cheered on the City’s $1.24-million repair of this gift from Amsterdam back in 1974. It fell into disrepair 5 years ago and is now ready in time for FIFA. “This was not a simple repair,” said Chow. “It was a detailed, technical rehab that required care, precision, and patience, which is why it took a bit of time.” YQNA extends much gratitude to Councillor Malik and CreateTO for their roles in making this happen. 

FIFA World Cup: What’s Happening in Our Neighbourhood

Excitement is building for the 2026 World Cup and we are right in the midst of the action – expect larger-than-usual crowds along our waterfront. Keep the following in mind as you make your plans:

• Matches are at Toronto Stadium (aka BMO Field at Exhibition Place) on June 12, 17, 20, 23, 26, and July 2, with a capacity of approx. 45,000
  • FYI: Blue Jays are at home on June 12, 23, and 26; and June 26 is also during Pride weekend
  • Expect road closures on match days within an area bounded by Colborne Lodge, King W, Bathurst, and Lake Shore, with accessibility exceptions
• FanFest, the official FIFA fan destination, is nearby at Fort York with a capacity of approx. 25,000
• Closer to home, Harbourfront Centre is hosting events from June 11-July 2. In particular:
  • GE Appliances Canada Soccer House Toronto (west campus, including the concert stage), the official fan destination for Canada Soccer. Fans will be able to watch Canada’s matches, along with live entertainment, food, and beverages. Capacity of approx. 10,000
  • SportChek Activation (east campus), which includes a soccer pitch and retail area
• Toronto Police Services will manage planned and unplanned events via the TPS FIFA Team
  • Increased presence of bike teams in our neighbourhood is likely
  • Members of Taskforce Guardian may be deployed in our area, if conditions warrant. These officers, armed with rifles and protective gear, are focussed on deterrence 
  • Our Marine Unit will be increasing patrols
  • While demonstrations and protests are expected downtown, there will be no proactive fencing installed in our neighbourhood, as was experienced during the G20
• TTC will be adjusting its routes and schedules. We expect the following:
  • On match days, no access within the area bounded by Dufferin, King W, Bathurst, and Lake Shore, with accessibility exceptions. The Fleet St. transit hub will be used
  • Subway service extended at least 1 hour on match nights
  • 509 Harbourfront (June 7-July 12) to run every 5 mins. during most times of day, with an overnight service available every 20 mins.; slow zones currently in place to continue; when needed to disperse crowds, the Bathurst stop on the eastbound route will be closed
  • 510 Spadina (June 7-July 24) to turn back/start at Queens Quay and thus not serve Union Station
  • 511 Bathurst (June 7-July 24) to run every 5 mins. during most times of day, with overnight service provided by streetcar not bus. This route will have transit priority in place