Students at Island Public/Natural Science School are helping leave their mark on the future of the city’s waterfront.
As part of the City of Toronto public naming process for its two new fully electric ferries, the school community played a unique role in shaping the list of potential names.
The school’s principal, Kiera Vanderlugt, served on the City’s naming committee and brought forward students’ ideas. In classrooms, students explored the natural and cultural features that make the Toronto Islands special before suggesting names that reflect the environment around them.
After a student vote at the school, several favourites were submitted for consideration, and three of those names have now advanced to the City’s final public voting stage:
- Harbour Swan: inspired by the swans that glide across Toronto Harbour, symbolizing graceful and quiet movement
- Island Willow: named for the willow trees that line many of the Island pathways
- Island Chickadee: reflecting the curious chickadees often spotted throughout the Islands and celebrating the area’s connection to nature
Toronto residents are encouraged to take part in an online vote before April 6th to help select the winning names, for more information visit the City of Toronto website.
