Press Release

Toronto Island Public/Natural Science School Students Name PortsToronto’s New Hybrid Surveying Vessel “The Rock Bass”

Toronto · February 2, 2024

Elementary school students from the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Island Public/Natural Science School put on their thinking caps this winter to help name TheRock Bass – a new hybrid surveying vessel procured by the PortsToronto Works and Environmental Services Department.

This hybrid-electric vessel is a welcome addition to PortsToronto’s fleet, and aligns with the organization’s efforts to employ environmental best practices within its operations and its commitment to using clean, green energy where possible. The Rock Bass will be deployed to provide a variety of marine services, including bathymetric surveying; which is an important process that scans and measures the depth of the Toronto Harbour to ensure it is maintained at a safe navigational depth for both commercial and leisure vessels.

During a visit to their classroom, grade four students at the Island Public/Natural Science School were invited to suggest a name and create a logo design for the new vessel. The Iron Guppy, PortsToronto’s well-known tugboat, was named through a similar contest in 2016.

In total 27 creative names and pieces of artwork were submitted, which PortsToronto then narrowed down to a shortlist of three names. The Rock Bass, Speedy Duck and Turtle Tide were put to a public vote over various social media platforms and over the course of one week, more than 720 votes were cast. The Rock Bass received an impressive 54% of the vote.

The Rock Bass will be put into service in the spring of 2024, debuting its new name and logo. Follow along with us on social media @PortofToronto or on our website, portstoronto.com

“We were thrilled to have the students from Toronto’s Island Public/Natural Science School help name PortsToronto’s new hybrid surveying vessel. It was a great way to connect and engage with our young community members and provide a fun opportunity to learn about PortsToronto and our work in the Toronto Harbour.”

Deborah Wilson, Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, PortsToronto

“The vessel naming contest is one of the neat ways for our students to see themselves making real world connections to the community in which they learn, live and commute daily.”

Gary Pieters, Principal, Toronto District School Board Island Public/Natural Science School

About the Toronto Port Authority

The Toronto Port Authority owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomes approximately two million passengers and generates approximately $2 billion in economic impact per year; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto, which facilitates businesses such as marine shipping, cargo services and passenger cruises to generate approximately $460 million in economic activity annually. Since 1911, and in its role as a city builder, the Toronto Port Authority has worked with partners and every level of government to enhance Toronto’s transportation infrastructure and economic growth. The Toronto Port Authority is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities, and has invested more than $30 million in recent years to fund charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond.

The Toronto Port Authority is a federal agency and operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act. It is guided by a Board of Directors that includes representation from all three levels of government.

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