St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Waiting Shed

Photographed by Caroline Record, March 15, 2026

1. The Waiting Shed Marker

Inscription. In 2016 a group of volunteer residents formed the Ward's Dock Renewal Initiative to improve the Ward's Island dock area for school children, workers, Islanders, and visitors enjoying a trip to Toronto Island. One undertaking was the restoration of the Waiting Shed which has provided shelter while waiting for the ferry at Ward's Island for over 100 years.

In 2017 the city government responsible for parks and heritage, along with Island residents, began restoring and modernizing the aging building. Windows and doors have been replaced and the entrance made more accessible. The shed was relocated to improve access to the dock and views of the skyline.

Waiting Shed was built at the Ward's Island dock in 1916. Among its charming features that have survived are the hipped bell-cast roof, multiple-pane windows and rooftop finials.

(Captions:)
Over its 100 years, the shelter was modified in various ways. Prior to the restoration, a mural was painted on the interior walls by a local artist, and two old pianos were donated to the space for the enjoyment of those waiting for the boat.

There was always some activity around

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the Waiting Shed and the wooden dock at Ward's Island in the 1950s.

The Ward's Hotel, built in 1882, can be seen in the background. It was torn down in 1966.

Erected by Toronto Island community.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 43° 37.863′ N, 79° 21.421′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands. It is on Bayview Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Bayview Avenue, Toronto ON M5J 1Z1, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto

and on the Golden Horseshoe.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as

Photographed by Caroline Record, March 15, 2026

2. The Waiting Shed Marker

the crow flies: Toronto Island (within shouting distance of this marker); The Toronto Island Community (within shouting distance of this marker); William Ward & Ward's Hotel (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Royal Canadian Yacht Club (approx. 1.3 kilometers away); St. Andrew By-The-Lake (approx. 1.6 kilometers away); Stone Distillery (approx. 2.1 kilometers away); Fire Pump House (approx. 2.1 kilometers away); Fermenting Cellar (approx. 2.1 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

The Waiting Shed - interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Caroline Record, March 15, 2026

3. The Waiting Shed - interior

Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2026, by Caroline Record of Montréal, Québec. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 16, 2026, by Caroline Record of Montréal, Québec. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.