The Island Cafe is getting ready to reopen after the winter season with some new features and additions, as the owners are in the midst of a remodel at the cafe at 45 Channel Avenue.
The rebuilding of the Island Café and the Ward’s Island Association Clubhouse is progressing as the project enters its second reconstruction phase, according to Streets of Toronto. This development follows the café’s destruction last March after a fire. The team is now moving closer to reopening in phases, with all three phases expected to be completed by Summer 2025. While renovations are underway at the Island Café, the team recently announced that the café will reopen soon.
“We are excited to announce that The Island Cafe will be reopening its doors in early April 2025!” According to the announcement made on the company’s website. “Join us on our beautiful Wards Island garden patio for a delightful experience that features a variety of offerings, including espresso, coffee, and pastries, with much more to come in May 2025!”
What Now Toronto connected with owner Zorah Freeman-McIntyre to get more details about the renovation timeline. He says that while there isn’t a confirmed opening date yet, they are aiming to reopen on April 9th or 10th, offering coffee, baked goods, soup, and sandwiches. Renovations will include a bar, bathrooms, and more. The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of April, with the bar and table service area anticipated to open by mid-May. The full restaurant reopening is scheduled for May 2025. This season’s new features will include a new patio space, live music on weeknights and weekends, a liquor license, and more. Information regarding hours and days of operation will be shared soon.
Despite adding new features and amenities, the café will continue to provide its welcoming service and offerings upon reopening. The Island Café proudly serves high-quality coffee from local Reunion Coffee Roasters, including various drinks such as lattes, cortados, espressos, and macchiatos. Additionally, they offer pastries from La Bastille Boulangerie Patisserie. Beyond the delicious food and beverages, the café is committed to several green initiatives. They build patio furniture from recycled wood and maintain an on-site compost heap to reduce their environmental footprint. Furthermore, they have eliminated single-use plastics, ensuring all their takeout materials are 100% compostable.
“A year has passed since the tragic fire that took our beloved Ward’s Island Clubhouse,” according to a recent post on Instagram. “While the building is gone, our community’s spirit remains stronger than ever – because of you. Your support, kindness, and commitment have carried us through this challenging year. We are endlessly grateful for our customers, friends, neighbours and supporters who continue to stand with us. Today, we honor what was lost and look forward to what’s to come. Thank you to everyone who has stood with us through this journey.”
