Item - 2026.TE31.21
Tracking Status
- This item will be considered by Toronto and East York Community Council on April 1, 2026. City Council has delegated final decision-making authority for the subject of this agenda item. The Toronto and East York Community Council will make the final decision on this item unless any amendments it approves exceed its authority.
TE31.21 - Hoverlink Terminal Proposal Update
- Consideration Type:
- ACTION
- Schedule Type:
- Delegated
- Ward:
- 10 - Spadina - Fort York
April 1, 2026 - A communication was posted.
Origin
Recommendations
The Director, Waterfront Secretariat, City Planning, recommends that:
1. Toronto and East York Community Council direct the Director, Waterfront Secretariat to provide a further update in Q2 2027 on Hoverlink Ontario Incorporated’s hovercraft service and terminal, once additional technical information is available.
Summary
In May 2023, Hoverlink Ontario Incorporated (“Hoverlink”) notified the City of its intent to initiate a hovercraft service between Toronto and St. Catherines in the Niagara Region. Subsequently, the Toronto and East York Community Council requested that staff report on project-related technical studies which would assess the impact of the introduction of this service. Hoverlink proposes to start its service in the first quarter of 2028 at the earliest.
This report provides an update on the process to assess information to be provided on the proposed Hoverlink hovercraft service and associated terminal facilities. This report also outlines expectations around information sharing and issues identification. Hoverlink has indicated that it is willing to provide technical information and to work collaboratively with the City on the project.
The proposed terminal, made up of a landing pad, docking station and passenger waiting area, is proposed to be located on the south side of the Western Gap at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Hoverlink clients will use ferries or Billy Bishop Airport pedestrian tunnel to access Downtown Toronto and local transportation and transit connections. All vessel servicing would occur in St. Catharines, where Hoverlink has entered into a lease with Transport Canada/St. Lawrence Seaway to locate maintenance and deliveries infrastructure, and other facilities.
The technical information provided by Hoverlink will be subject to a staff review and comment, which may result in future discussions with Hoverlink to resolve outstanding matters. Coordination with the Toronto Port Authority will be required as there is no City approval or regulatory process that applies in this case. Staff will report back in the second quarter of 2027 with a further update, once additional information is available.
Financial Impact
There are no financial implications resulting from the recommendations included in this report.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-285272.pdf