Toronto offers free ferry tickets for kids and seniors in waterfront dispute

Toronto is offering free island ferry tickets for children and seniors in August after a federal decision that blocked a planned expansion of Billy Bishop Airport. The city said the move is meant to thank residents who supported efforts to protect public waterfront space. Mayor Olivia Chow introduced the proposal at city council on Thursday, shortly after federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said Ottawa would not back the province’s airport expansion plans because they would affect public spaces. The decision also intensified tensions between Toronto and the Ford government. Chow said the free ferry tickets are intended as a small gesture of appreciation and a way to encourage more people to visit the island.