The city confirmed that Toronto Island Park, including Centre Island, Centreville Theme Park, Wards Island and Hanlans Point, will be open and regular summer ferry service will resume on Monday. ( Sammy Hudes / Toronto Star ) | Order this photo

By Alanna RizzaStaff Reporter

Thu., July 27, 2017

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

The city confirmed that Toronto Island Park, including Centre Island, Centreville Theme Park, Wards Island and Hanlans 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 isnt complete without a visit to the Toronto Islands, which is why Im so pleased that the park is being reopened for residents and visitors to enjoy, said Mayor John Tory in a statement.

I want to thank City staff for their tireless and ongoing commitment to preserving and restoring the island park and to residents for their patience throughout this unprecedented event.

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found on the Toronto Islands, but the city says the risk of acquiring the virus is low and thats no reason to avoid the area.

The city recommends wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors and applying bug spray. Residents should also make sure their homes have tight-fitting screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.

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

One attraction that wont open this year is the Far Enough Farm petting zoo. Extensive damage to the farm and pens, as well as remaining water in the area, will keep animals on a farm in Schomberg, Ont., for the foreseeable future.

Centrevilles swan ride and the bumper boat ride, which make use of Lake Ontario, also wont reopen this year due to high water levels, according to spokesperson Shawnda Walker. The train ride will remain shut for the season because of damage to the tracks.

The first ferry departing from the mainland for Wards Island will leave at 6:30 a.m. and the first ferry for Centre Island will leave at 8 a.m. City of Toronto recreation programs will also resume on Monday.

With files from Sammy Hudes

The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, One Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5E1E6. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please contact us or see our privacy policy for more information.

Originally posted here:

Toronto Islands will reopen on Monday, city confirms - Toronto Star