Here's your Gangways Open SPECIAL ISSUE of The Ripple e-Newsletter, to share with your colleagues, friends and family.

See award-winning band Firesound, a group of talented Toronto firefighters, performing at 4:30pm daily on the WestJet Stage to raise awareness for Camp Bucko, a burn camp for children.

The band features a three-piece horn section and plays high energy pop, rock and soul music. Debuting in 2005 with the award-winning CD Burning Love, more than 30 Toronto firefighters donated their time and performed 15 fire themed songs including Disco inferno, Ring of Fire, Burn Baby Burn and many more with all proceeds donated to Camp Bucko. A handful of Firesound members were chosen to be on season one of the reality TV show Canada Sings! They sang and danced their way to first place and a prize of $10,000 for Camp Bucko. Firesound entertains and raises money for charities in and around the GTA including Muscular Dystrophy Canada and Firefighter Cancer research, to name a few. Learn more about Firesound by visiting www.firesound.ca.

Catch Mike Filey in the Brigantine Room, Harbourfront Centre at 12pm and 2:30pm daily for "Trillium and Toronto Island" a one-hour presentation featuring the history of the Toronto Islands and the Island ferry service from the early 1800s up to and including the present ferry fleet.

Learn about the restoration of the 1910 steam-powered ferry Trillium; the ferry that Babe Ruth took to and from his history making baseball game where he hit his first professional homerun, at Hanlan's Point in September 1914. Trillium was saved from the wreckers to be resurrected in the mid-1970s and is still in service with the City of Toronto's ferry fleet. Historically, Trillium is the only steam, side-paddle, double-end ferry in the world.

Through the use of rare, old photographs, combined with contrasting modern day images from similar vantage points, he shows the incredible changes our city has undergone over the decades. Special emphasis is placed on the evolution of the city's waterfront from a time when Toronto's southernmost limit was just south of Front Street to the present expanse of soaring condominium and office towers and of course, to the iconic CN Tower and Rogers Centre.

Born in Toronto in 1941, Mike Filey has spent a good number of years researching and recording the fascinating history of Toronto. His more than two dozen books are filled with stories of Toronto's past, featuring landmarks, neighbourhoods, streetscapes and defining moments of the City. For almost 40 years, he has contributed to the Toronto Sunday Sun in a popular column entitled "The Way We Were" and can is on AM 740 radio at 12:30 each Saturday and Sunday.

The PS Trillium was constructed in 1910 at Polson Iron Works in Toronto, was re-constructed in Port Colborne in 1975 and continues to operate in the same rebuilt condition today. The Trillium is the last remaining side wheeler paddle steamer operating in North America and is located at the foot of Harbour Square Park at the base of Bay Street (1 Harbour Square Park). Author/Journalist Mike Filey will be on board to answer questions when he is not speaking in the Brigantine Room.

Visitors will meet crew members and be able to discuss the operation of the vessel. Guests will be welcome to photograph and film features of the vessel and crew. The boat is essential as a back-up for weekend transportation and will be added into service if needed.

Avast ye swabs and hold on to your booty - there are Pirates on the loose! These swashbuckling Freebooters will be busy looting and plundering along the waterfront on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 from 10am to 5pm daily.

For all landlubbers brave enough to approach, these Pirates have a special giveaway to add to your treasure chest! If you fancy a ditty, lend an ear as our Singing Pirates belt out old sea shanties in three part harmony.

Find them dockside and take a photo, brush up on your pirate facts, and learn about all the exciting features of Gangways Open. Bring your camera and your eye patch!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the William Lyon Mackenzie Fireboat. Named for Toronto's first mayor, the Fireboat was built in 1964 by Russel Brothers Shipyard in Owen Sound, Ontario to provide marine fire protection, search and rescue on Lake Ontario, as well as ice breaking capabilities for Toronto's ferries and the Islands. The Fireboat is docked at Toronto Fire & Marine Station 334 (339 Queen's Quay West) and operates 12 months a year.

The Fireboat is 24 metres long and weighs approximately 150 tonnes with a Caterpillar Diesel engine producing 3,000 horsepower to achieve a top speed of 22 kilometres per hour. The vessel has a modified Tugboat hull and five tonne crane as well as five water nozzles that can pump 50,000 litres of water a minute. The vessel is also equipped with radar, echo sounder, radio and daytime accommodation for the off-duty shift. In 2004, the vessel completed a $1 million refurbishment that will extend the in-service life by approximately 30 years.  

Visitors to Queen's Quay Terminal can trace the visually stunning waterfront history through Toronto on the Water, a photo exhibit that features over 100 archival images on loan courtesy of Toronto Star Archives, Toronto Port Authority, City of Toronto Archives and Queen's Quay Terminal. The exhibit will launch at Gangways Open Toronto and will remain on display throughout the main level of Queen's Quay Terminal from May 24 until July 31.  Admission is FREE.

Relive memories of Toronto's vibrant waterfront at Toronto on the Water.  See images of: the Trillium (c. 1931, City of Toronto Archives); the start of the Marathon swim competition at the CNE (1932, Toronto Star Archives); Aerial view of the construction of the Gardiner Expressway (1963, Toronto Star Archives) and Taxicabs and a streetcar at Queen's Quay Ferry Dock (1931, City of Toronto Archives) to name a few. Toronto's rich history comes alive before your eyes at Toronto on the Water!

 

Queen's Quay Terminal was originally a cold storage warehouse facility. The Terminal Warehouse, built in 1926 by Moores and Dunford (NYC) was later converted to a condo/mall complex in 1983. The Terminal Warehouse was the first poured concrete building in Canada and one of the largest buildings in the country.

The project architects, Zeidler Roberts Associates of Toronto were respectful of the essential design character of the building and its references to Art Deco were carefully maintained during all the alterations. The New York Times called it an example of successful revitalization efforts in Toronto during the 1980's.

NEW guided tours! The charter boat business is one of the main tourism attractions at the Toronto Waterfront and has a rich history. The 13 participating ships will open their doors (and their gangways!) for FREE public dockside tours. The ships along the dock walls will be open for viewing from 10am to 5pm, subject to availability.  

Visit ships from the Great Lakes Schooner Company (Challenge, Kajama, and Obsession III), City View Cruise Lines (Ste. Marie), Mariposa Cruises (Captain Matthew Flinders, Klancy II, Northern Spirit, Oriole, Rosemary and Showboat), Nautical Adventures (Empire Sandy) and Toronto Brigantine Tall Ships (Pathfinder and Playfair).

The Ste. Marie was initially built as a small fishing vessel operating out of Sault Sainte Marie. Her keel was laid in 1964 with registration in Midland, Ontario, operating in the fishing industry until refit as a tour boat in 1986. The Ste. Marie was relocated to the Toronto waterfront in 1994 following modifications that lengthened the boat by 25 feet. A second floor open observation deck was built to permit fabulous unrestricted viewing while providing shelter from sun or rain. With her open bow and upper observation deck, along with her cozy interior forward cabin, she has become a very popular tour and small group charter vessel.

Great Lakes Schooner Company fleet includes Challenge, Kajama, and Obsession III.

Challenge is a stunning 96-foot, three mast clipper schooner modeled after the original 1852 ship built in Cleveland, Ohio, and was constructed as a school vessel in 1980 by the Kanter Yacht Company in Port Stanley, Ontario. She sailed from 1980 to 1982 as a passenger vessel on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and also in the Virgin Islands before being refitted in 1984 by her original builders. Carefully preserving the traditions and designs of the past, her seven sails are set in the unique tradition of a Grand Banks Schooner, with her three masts of equal height, all stepped on the deck at different levels.

Kajama, an historic 165-foot three-masted gaff-rigged schooner, was originally launched in Rendsburg, Germany as the Wilfrid in 1930, and has undergone an ambitious restoration that has returned the ship to her former glory.  Familiar in ports from Northwestern Spain, through Western Europe, and as far north as Norway and Russia, Kajama had a long and successful career as a cargo carrying sailing ship.

She represents one of the few remaining and highly successful Nobiskrug coastal trading schooners known for their efficiency and profitability. Kajama boasts over 7,000 square feet of sail, a large unobstructed deck, and a grand staircase leading to the below deck dining room.

Obsession III is a 78-foot motor yacht. She has been on Toronto's waterfront since 1993 after she went through a complete rebuild from the former vessel M.V Mystique. Mystique was originally built in 1967 in New Orleans by Halter Marine Services.

Obsession III is now located on Toronto's waterfront. One of the most talked about features on Obsession III is her fully retractable roof.

Established in 1987, Mariposa Cruises' fleet includes six cruise ships docked along the Queens Quay Terminal building: Captain Matthew Flinders, Klancy II, Northern Spirit, Oriole, Rosemary and Showboat.

The Captain Matthew Flinders is the flagship of the Mariposa fleet. Built in 1984 in Port Adelaide, Australia, the 144-foot luxury ship arrived in Toronto in 1989 and boasts the largest passenger capacity (575 people) in Toronto. The ship is named after famous navigator Captain Matthew Flinders (1774-1814), and in 1995, it sailed to Florida and operated as a floating casino. Since returning to Toronto, the ship has been outfitted with new engines and was fully renovated in 2011.

The Flinders has hosted a wide range of events including Mayors from Around the World, the NBA Draft Pick, the All-Star Baseball Legends; it also welcomed The Stanley Cup aboard for Detroit Red Winger Chris Draper's celebration in 2008. Many celebrities, athletes and musicians have enjoyed the Flinders - Arnold Palmer even hit golf balls off the outer deck!

Built in St. Thomas in 1989 and cruising in Toronto since, the Klancy II  joined the Mariposa Cruises fleet in 2011. The Klancy II holds up to 100 passengers and has hosted a wide variety of VIP events over the years, including the Rotary Club convention bid team, when it played a part in Toronto securing the bid to host the convention.

The Northern Spirit was built in 1983 in Warren, Rhode Island, and was formerly named the Pride of Norfolk and the Pride of Toronto. The 138-foot ship joined Mariposa Cruises' fleet in 1994 after an extensive renovation. Like the Flinders, the Northern Spirit has the largest passenger capacity in Toronto and is Transport Canada-approved for 575 passengers. The Northern Spirit has hosted many notable events and musical acts during its years in Toronto. With its bright and spacious interior, it remains one of the most popular boats in Toronto for hosting larger groups.

Built in 1987 in Port Dover, Ontario, the Oriole is a replica of a Victorian era steamship (circa 1880-1920), with a rich oak interior, wrought iron detail and unique design. The Oriole is used for Mariposa Cruises' popular Harbour Tours and can host 184 passengers. The Oriole has its own celebrity status, having been featured in a fictional period painting by Ray Davidson entitled, "The Medora at Port Carling Locks." She also recently appeared on CBC's Redemption Inc. and hosted Mila Mulroney, Nancy Reagan and the wives of G7 attendees for a private afternoon charter.

One of Mariposa Cruises' vessels, the Rosemary is the true southern belle of the fleet. Built in Mobile, Alabama in 1960, the Rosemary is 62-feet of style and sophistication and was completely renovated in 2008. The Rosemary has modern furnishings and still maintains her former corporate yacht appeal. A long list of celebrities has cruised aboard, including Angelica Houston, Sam Neill, Cicely Tyson, Marylou Henner and Gregory Hines.

The Showboat Royal Grace, or Showboat as she is now called, is a petite version of the grand riverboats that sailed along North America's inland waterways in the 1800s. Built in 1988 in Port Colborne, Ontario, The Showboat was purchased by Mariposa Cruises in 1993. Completely renovated in 2013, where among other improvements, twelve feet of length was added to the centre of the ship. Not only is the boat larger, but it also increases her passenger capacity from 75 to 149. The new and improved Showboat will continue to be one of Mariposa's most popular boats because of its charm and onboard comforts.

Toronto Brigantine has been a charitable organization since 1962. Their founding tenets were the development of leadership, discipline, and citizenship. They operate two brigantines, the 22m (72') sail-training vessel (STV) Pathfinder, which was commissioned in 1964, and the training ship (TS) Playfair, which was built in 1972, named in 1973 by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Both were built as training vessels by Francis A. McLachlan in Kingston, Ontario. Each year the ships sail over 4,000 miles, spend over 40 nights at sea, and introduce 300 trainees to the tall ship experience.



A stone's throw from Toronto's downtown and financial core, The Waterfront BIA encompasses the exciting heart of the City's central waterfront with Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands forming a spectacular backdrop for the area's countless attractions. Stay in one of our relaxing hotels, The Westin Harbour Castle or Radisson Admiral Hotel, take in a dynamic theatrical performance, wander through our galleries and studios or attend one of the vibrant cultural festivals year-round. Stroll Queen's Quay Terminal and visit our many unique shops, then enjoy a delicious dinner at one of our fabulous restaurants. Looking for recreation? Play in the parks, stroll the revitalized promenades, skate on the outdoor rink, rent a bicycle, canoe, kayak, sailboat or power boat. Indulge in a cruise on one of our fine charter vessels and enjoy Toronto's spectacular city skyline from the water. There is no end to the activity on the Waterfront!