Toronto Island will reopen on Monday

The Toronto Islands will reopen on July 31 after being closed to the general public since May due to extensive flooding.

The city confirmed that Toronto Island Park, including Centre Island, Centreville Theme Park, Ward’s Island and Hanlan’s Point, will be open and regular summer ferry service will resume on Monday.

“All beaches on the island will be open with lifeguards on duty. However, portions of some beaches will be in a reduced state. Signs will clearly indicate areas that are closed to the public,” the city said in a statement.

Olympic Island will remain closed due to high water levels.

“I know that for many Torontonians summer isn’t complete without a visit to the Toronto Islands, which is why I’m so pleased that the park is being reopened for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Mayor John Tory said in a statement.

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found on the islands, but the city says the risk of acquiring the virus is low. The city recommends wearing light-coloured, longsleeved shirts and pants when outdoors and applying bug spray.

City of Toronto recreation programs and businesses on the island are also expected to resume normal operations on Monday.

One attraction that won’t open this year is the Far Enough Farm petting zoo. Extensive damage to the farm and pens will keep animals on a farm in Schomberg, Ont., for the foreseeable future.

Centreville’s swan ride and bumper boat ride, which make use of Lake Ontario, also won’t reopen this year due to high water levels, according to spokesperson Shawnda Walker.

The first ferry departing from the mainland for Ward’s Island will leave at 6:30 a.m. and the first ferry for Centre Island will leave at 8 a.m. With files from Sammy Hudes