Mayor John Tory says no to bridge link to Toronto Islands

Mayor John Tory won't wade into the debate about a permanent link to the Toronto Islands.

In a news conference at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal Friday, Tory said he has no plans to build a bridge or a tunnel to the Islands.

"In the long distant past I fought an election campaign in which I was one of those who was in favour of the notion of a bridge to the Island airport," Tory said. "Last time I checked I lost that election basically on that issue."

Ferry ridership is expected to climb by 15 per cent this year over last year, but the boat ride is part of the experience of visiting the Islands, he said.

"I think the quaintness of the ferry ride, the enjoyment that children get out of the ferry ride, are something that people would not want to see us tamper with."

Despite those who say a bridge would be good for the Islands – while residents and others are against a link to the mainland – Tory is leaving the matter alone.

"I have no plans to be a front man...to have any kind of bridge or a tunnel to the Toronto Island[s] as much as some other people might think that makes sense."

Tory said that's why the city is re-designing the ferry terminal and ordering new ferry boats, with the first expected to hit the water in 2018.