Parts of Toronto Islands to remain closed to visitors all summer

People hoping to visit the Toronto Island Park this summer may have to wait until next year.

City officials announced Monday certain areas of the park will remain closed for the entire summer, including Olympic Island, Gibraltar Point, Hanlan’s Beach and sections of Centre Island, such as the grandstand.

The record spring and summer rainfall, which has been categorized as a 100-year event, is still about 30 centimetres above the pre-flood conditions of early April.

READ MORE: Businesses want city to reopen Toronto Islands to public

Officials said they are still working on opening a section of the park for July 31, but that it depends entirely on whether the water can subside.

Business owners on the Toronto Islands say the city’s decision to shut down the popular park has had a devastating effect on the restaurants, lodges, and shops that rely on tourist traffic in the busy summer season.

The Island Park has been closed and ferry service suspended for the general public since early May. Park permits and city recreation programs have also been cancelled.

READ MORE: Toronto mayor says hidden flooding damage will cost millions to repair

Last week, city council voted to temporarily suspend the collection of rent or licence fees from businesses on the island.

More than 1.46 million people visited the park last year with weekend visitors totalling more than 20,000 a day during the summer season.

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-With a file from The Canadian Press