Centre Island Toronto

Standing By for a Crappy Airline Job

I’ve always thought that working at an airport must be one of the most depressing jobs available. Far, far away from the center of a city, and often, in an ugly, poorly-designed environment. However, here in Toronto, we are lucky to have the Billy Bishop Airport, a small property in the heart of downtown. Situated on Centre Island, 200 yards from the mainland, one rides a ferry to get across. So in my hunt for a job, I figured such a nearby and urban location might be not so bad—even suited to my needs.

I walked into the Toronto Port Authority offices with high hopes. I envisioned myself riding along the tarmac, throwing suitcases into small airplanes. The fresh air and surrounding lake sounded appealing, and such a job seemed within reach. After all, how hard could it be to be a grunt? Especially for someone like me with the best of both worlds: a higher education and past summer experience as stockroom boy.

“We don’t handle tarmac operations,” a duty manager told me, shattering my low-level dreams. “But,” she continued, “we do offer positions for students and recent graduates.” I had my pick from three: greeter, deck-hand laborer on the ferry, and building attendant. The last one piqued my interest. Building attendant: it sounded noble and almost prestigious. But after asking what the job would entail for someone with my qualifications, my query was met with politically-correct, PR-generated response employing enough vagueness and foggy terminology to make Orwell rise from the grave and puke his brains out on customs floor: I would essentially be a janitor.

Now, while I need money, I’m not going to wear yellow gloves and mop up a nervous passenger’s vomit; I do enough of that at my frat house. But apparently, my pride is unique in this job market: “Most of the people applying for this job are actually graduates,” the duty manager told me, “And the position acts as a foot in the door; there’s definitely room for growth and promotion here.”

As if a glory story for the airport, my guide introduced me to Kotar, a young man who came from Ghana in 2003 to find a “better life.” He worked as a deck-hand laborer. “It’s a position we reserve mainly for immigrants,” I was told, “because they tend to have experience on boats.” I asked Kotar what he did on the ferry, and while my guide, answering for him, gave me yet another one of her politically correct responses (a trait which doesn’t seem to extend to her mentality of immigrants and boat skills), I took what she said with a grain of salt. “I basically push the button to raise and lower the ramp on the ferry,” Kotar told me with a straight face. I had to hand it to him, he knew he had a crappy job, and made no efforts to over-complicate it as his superior did. I asked him how he got this position, and the manager told me he was “promoted” from being a building attendant. “You see?” she said, “Kotar here is moving on up in the company!

Baby Friendly Toronto: Centre Island | Have Baby Will Travel

Without a doubt, Centre Island is one of our favourite spots in Toronto. And the ferry ride to get there not only delights toddlers, but is part of the feeling that you’re escaping the city when you’re still in the heart of it. Well, once said toddler gets over the disappointment of taking a ferry and not a *fairy*

There are very few weeping Willow trees left in Toronto. Their destructive root systems mean the city cut most of them down years ago. So the Willows swaying in the breeze are one of the first things I notice when we step off the ferry, and instantly it’s easier to breathe as the kids toddle off along the path.

Because Centre Island is part of the Toronto Islands Park, there are plenty of clean washrooms that have change tables. The paths are all really well maintained – making it a breeze for any kind of stroller. If you’re the active type, bring your bike with baby seat or trailer and zip around the island  - the greenspace along the lake is so lovely. Keep in mind that Hanlan’s Point Beach is clothing optional; you may see a little more nature than you intended as you pass by there. There’s plenty of shady spots for a picnic, and to feed baby.

The small amusement park, Centreville, is a total favourite of my kids, which I think is wonderful as it was my favourite too. Even the tiniest toddler can go on some rides solo, and my kids are delighted to wave to me from the flying bees. Admission to the park is free, but ride ticket prices vary. Small toddlers can probably get by with purchasing tickets as you go (it’s free for mom or dad to accompany tots on some like the historic Carousel), but it may make sense to purchase wristbands for older toddlers and preschoolers, especially if they love the rides. Keep in mind that lines are shorter in the morning, and during weekdays.

It’s pretty much typical fast food available at Centreville, but the pizza is fresh and not a bad deal, and you can (usually) purchase white milk at the Pizza Pizza. The sit-down restaurant is ok, but our preference is to pack most of our snacks and drinks for our visit.

Even though the ferries start running at 8am, Centreville doesn’t open until 10:30. My advice for early birds is to walk through the park to the Far Enough Farm, an adorable little farm on the edge of the island where you can check out the chickens, pigs, horses, and cows. There’s even several peacocks roaming around, showing off their colours. The Far Enough Farm, along with Riverdale Farm , are always open and always free – for now anyway.

The Rough Guide to Toronto

Fodor's Toronto 2011, With Niagara Falls & the Niagara Wine Region

Fodor's Toronto, With Niagara Falls & the Niagara Wine Region

Fodor's Toronto 2009, With Niagara Falls & the Niagara Wine Region

Discover & explore Toronto's waterfront, a walker's, jogger's, cyclist's, boater's guide to Toronto's lakeside sites and history