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Tuesday, 23 December 2008 |
Centre Island is between Hanlan's Point and Ward's Island. A carriage route along the peninsula connecting the mainland to Gibraltar Point Lighthouse later evolved into Lake Shore Avenue, the main east-west axis along Centre Island. By the late 1800's, many of Toronto's wealthiest families built beautiful Victorian summer homes along Lake Shore Avenue, east from Manitou Road to Ward's Island.
In 1884, construction of an Anglican church, St. Andrew-by-the-Lake, was directed by Archbishop Sweatman. Four years later Island Park was established on land previously occupied by the Mead Hotel, and has continued to offer an impressive panoramic view of downtown Toronto ever since.
Two distinctive bridges, still in use today, were built to accommodate the increase in traffic along the central north-south axis as the Centre Island Ferry, operated by the Toronto Ferry Company, became more popular. The Manitou Road bridge (1912) replaced an old wooden bridge and the Olympic Island bridge (1914) was built to link Olympic Island with Island Park.
Ward's Island
Ward's Island, actually the east section of the old peninsula, was named after the Ward family who first settled here about 1830. David Ward, a local fisherman, raised seven children. His son, William, built the landmark Ward's Hotel in 1882, just south of the ferry docks at Channel Avenue. Originally the building had two floors and a central, third story tower, but in 1922 the tower and upper floor were removed after the structure deteriorated. The remaining building operated as a grocery supply and ice-cream parlour until its demolition in 1966. The hotel, in addition to Wiman's Baths, built in 1881, created a pleasant resort that attracted many visitors.
Park features
Main park type
island picnic park
Pedestrian/bicycle trails
1.11 kilometres from Island Filtration Plant to boardwalk
1.68 kilometres from boardwalk to Ward's Island Ferry Dock
0.76 kilometres from Centre Island Ferry Dock to Lookout Pier
Park facilities
2 fully accessible washrooms
2 fully accessible washroom-changerooms
1 washroom and 1 washroom-changeroom
18 drinking fountains
10 water taps
21 picnic areas with 6 fire pits
2 First Aid stations
Ward's Island
4 drinking fountains
2 water taps
Food, recreation and fun
4 snack bars (seasonal operation)
Iroquois Restaurant + Paradise Restaurant (licensed)
bicycle and boat rental
Centreville Amusement Area
Far Enough Farm
Toronto Island Marina
serviced public boat moorings (48-hour limit)
2 softball diamonds (Centre and Olympic)
3 wading pools
2 volleyball courts (Centre and Olympic)
Allan A. Lamport Regatta Course On Long Pond
The Island Church (Anglicanl)
Avenue of the Islands Gardens
Royal Canadian Yacht Club (private)
public phones on Centre and Ward's Island
Disc Golf Course (PDGA approved course and one of North America's premier courses)
Ward's Island
Queen City Yacht Club (private)
Ward's Island Beach (with washroom) and playground
General information
School groups and catering
Advance catering arrangements may be made by contacting Centreville Amusements and Catering. Please phone (416)203-0405 for details. Please note no outside caterers are permitted on the Toronto Island.
Alcoholic beverages
Individuals/organizations may not bring alcohol onto Toronto Island. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased in advance from Centreville Amusements and Catering. Please phone (416)203-0405 for details.
Freight wagon rental
Four-wheeled freight wagons (approx. 5' x 2 1/2' x 3') can be rented at the Mainland Ferry Docks on a first-come, first-served basis for a $10.00 fee plus a $20.00 refundable deposit. Deposits will be refunded provided the wagon is returned within the same day.
Picnic and fire pit permits
A $53.50 non-refundable picnic permit is required for groups larger than 25 persons, or groups of any size wishing to use the fire pits. Wood is often provided free of charge (while quantities last) with a fire pit reservation.
For information on Toronto Islands permits - please call 416.392.8188
Gas barbecues
Propane or gas B.B.Q.'s are not permitted on the Ferry Boats for safety reasons. We recommend that you bring along a small portable charcoal operated hibachi B.B.Q., just in case one of our B.B.Q. stands is unavailable for your use.
Centreville Amusement Park - http://www.centreisland.ca
is operated by Beasley Amusements and is open daily for the summer (from the May long weekend through Labour Day weekend).
Weekend hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Weekday hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Links
Toronto Island Community - torontoisland.org
Toronto Island Canoe Club - torontoislandcanoeclub.org
Offering Children's day camps, recreational canoeing and kayaking, water sports and canoe instruction.
Waterfront Montessori Children's Centre - waterfrontmontessori.net
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