The PS Trillium is a historic sidewheel ferry operated by the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation. Built in 1910 by Polson Iron Works at a cost of CA$75,000, it is a notable vessel due to its age and unique propulsion system. As the last sidewheel-propelled ferry on the Great Lakes, Trillium was initially designed to carry passengers across Toronto's harbor, specifically between the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at Bay Street and the Toronto Islands. Constructed with a capacity originally of 1,450 passengers, which was later reduced to approximately 995, the ship features a classic early 20th-century design. Launched on June 18, 1910, and christened by eight-year-old Phyllis Osler, Trillium entered service on July 1, 1910, alongside sister ships and other vessels named after flowers. Its initial operation was under the Toronto Ferry Company, but in 1926, the City of Toronto acquired it along with other ferries, integrating it into municipal transit services. Throughout its service life, Trillium has experienced several significant events. Notably, it helped extinguish a harbourfront fire in 1910 and was involved in a tragic incident in 1916 when its docking wash capsized a canoe, resulting in the drowning of a couple. It also ran aground in 1911, requiring rescue efforts for stranded passengers, and collided with the MS Normac in 1981, which subsequently sank due to a mechanical failure. Retired from active service in 1957, Trillium was sold to the Toronto Works Department, intended to carry sewage sludge, but was left to deteriorate in a lagoon. Renewed interest in its historic value led to an extensive restoration in the 1970s, which included replacing the superstructure, boiler, and deck, and salvaging original parts and accessories. The vessel was returned to service in 1976, becoming a heritage ferry. It underwent further refurbishments in 2017 to extend its lifespan. Today, Trillium remains a significant maritime relic, symbolizing Toronto's early 20th-century ferry history and serving as a nostalgic link to the city’s waterfront past.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.