Kiss n’ Sail Pilot Project Beginning Summer 2024 Announced

June 25, 2024, Toronto, ON - Waterfront Toronto in partnership with PortsToronto and CreateTO launched a pick-up and drop-off pilot program called Kiss n’ Sail to provide short-term docking opportunities for private vessels in the Inner Harbour. The pilot program will dedicate 30 metres of short-term docking space at Yonge Street Slip to streamline docking activity and improve safety for all users.  

The Kiss n’ Sail pilot program will operate from June 28th, 2024 until September 30th, 2024 until 2026. To facilitate the pilot, York Bay Marine Inc. will manage the docking area, which will be staffed full-time, operating seven days a week from 10:00 am until dusk.   

This pilot program responds to a critical need for short-term docking locations in the Inner Harbour and is part of the Marine Use Strategy [PDF].  

“There has been an increase of recreational boaters using the Inner Harbour since the COVID pandemic. The Kiss n’ Sail pilot responds to calls we heard from marine users on the need for more temporary docking locations in the Inner Harbour. This will improve safety, streamline marine activity, support economic activity along the waterfront, and it will help solidify Toronto as a leading waterfront city.”  

- George Zegarac, President and CEO, Waterfront Toronto

“We are pleased to join Waterfront Toronto and CreateTO in launching this initiative to meet the needs of an increasingly popular Toronto Harbour and waterfront. Through this partnership, we are creating new opportunities for everyone to experience and enjoy our shared waterfront, while ensuring that the marine transportation ecosystem of the harbour remains not only efficient, but also equitable, accessible and safe.” 

- RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto 

“The waterfront is a dynamic destination and a tremendous asset that attracts residents and visitors alike, particularly during the summer months. As a partner in managing the development of this asset on behalf of the City, we’re pleased to join Waterfront Toronto and PortsToronto in making an investment in this pilot project to improve access and safety for all users.”   
- Vic Gupta, CEO, CreateTO 

“The waterfront, and especially the Inner Harbour, are bustling areas that are full of activity in the summertime. It’s great to see waterfront partners working together to improve the experience and safety for marine users by piloting the Kiss n’ Sail program at Yonge Street Slip.” 

– Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, Councillor Ward 10 (Spadina-Fort York)

Quick Facts 

• Commercial and chartered vessels, like water taxis, bareboats, chartered harbour tours or chartered yachts are not permitted to use the Kiss n’ Sail dock.

• The Kiss n’ Sail program will operate on the east side of the Yonge Street Slip. It will utilize approximately 30 metres of floating dock secured to the seawall and made accessible with a fixed ramp.  

• Dock use will be free of charge and first come, first served to pick up and drop off guests for privately owned pleasure crafts, up to a certain size. The captain will be obligated to remain with the boat to avoid congestion from boats overstaying. 

Pilot Location

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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. 

About PortsToronto 

For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers in 2019; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada's largest freshwater marinas; and, Marine Terminal 52, which provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port of Toronto. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $28 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a nine-member board with representation from all three levels of government. For more information, visit: www.portstoronto.com.  

About CreateTO 

CreateTO was formed in 2018 as the City of Toronto’s real estate agency. The organization brings together stakeholders, partners and community members to ensure the best use of the City’s real estate assets for today and tomorrow. CreateTO manages the City’s $27 billion real estate portfolio, develops City buildings and lands for municipal purposes and delivers client-focused real estate solutions – ensuring a balance of both community and economic benefits. For more information, visit www.createto.ca. 

Media Contact

media@waterfrontoronto.ca