Residents will soon be able to travel from downtown Toronto to St. Catharines, Ontario in just thirty minutes via fast transit hovercrafts.

In an announcement released on Wednesday, Ontario Hoverlink said it is in the final stages of project approval, scheduled to launch in the summer of 2023.

Once completed, the vessel will depart from Ontario Square on the Toronto waterfront and arrive at Port Weller, St. Catharines in just half an hour – a trip that usually takes two to three hours by car with traffic.

Chris Morgan, founder and CEO of Ontario Hoverlink Ltd. said.

"We can’t wait to finally provide a fast, reliable, and sustainable transportation solution connecting tourists and travelers in just 30 minutes."

The company plans to conduct up to 48 lake crossings daily using two ships – the Griffon BHT-130 and BHT-150 models.

Up to 180 passengers are allowed on board each trip. Vehicles will not be permitted on the ship.

The company says the hovercrafts are the first of their kind in North America and are weather resistant.

General manager and former Toronto Argonauts player, Michael 'Pinball' Clemons, signed off on the project, a board member of Ontario Hovercraft Ltd.

Clemons stated in the statement: "Hoverlink's hovercraft service will make it easier for families to get to sporting events, theater, concerts, adult games, and one of the natural wonders in 30 minutes."

The company says it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by "removing hundreds of cars from [Queen Elizabeth Way] every day."

The service is set to operate year-round. Information about pricing will be released as its 2023 launch approaches.