Until we got to Toronto, we didn’t really understand that there is mainland Toronto and there are the Toronto Islands. The Toronto Islands provide the protection that makes Toronto Harbour an actual harbor. The islands have their own, distinct character and history. We’ve enjoyed spending a few days on them and getting a taste for island life, Toronto-style.
The islands are connected to the mainland by ferries, shuttles and water taxis. It’s easy to get back and forth on foot or with a bike, but cars and trucks are strictly limited. The islands are parkland or marinas, except for Ward’s and Algonquin Islands, which have private homes on them, and just a few small cafes.
The islands used to have more houses on them until the 1950s, when the city council decided to convert all of the islands to public use. The plan proceeded until the people on Ward’s and Algonquin Islands stood their ground and got things changed. They still have their homes on the islands, but the rules are different now. Instead of fully owning their homes, they have 99-year leases and restrictions on selling, improving and altering their homes.
We’ve enjoyed being in the islands, but our time here comes to an end tomorrow, when we will be moving to a marina right on the waterfront. That will make it easy for Jim to take care of boat projects while Anne is back in Minneapolis. It will also give him a front-row seat for the Canada Day festivities on July 1.