Here’s what that odd-looking structure on Lake Ontario is doing

An odd-looking structure on Lake Ontario, visible from Mississauga and west Toronto, has caught the eye of many residents recently.

People have been posting in different social media groups with photos of the object, which appears stationary and unlike any other common watercraft.

“Anyone know what this is out on the lake?” one person posted recently in the Toronto Reddit thread.

A hazy photo showed a platform with what appeared to be vertical, thick poles sticking out.

“It could be a mortal combat cage for mayoral candidates to settle the issues for Toronto,” one person suggested.

“District 9 Alien Landing Platform,” another said.

More posts have appeared on different Facebook groups this month— in Etobicoke and Mississauga.

The structure, sadly, isn’t for mortal combat or alien landings.

“Have you seen drilling rigs on barges in Lake Ontario recently?” the Region of Peel said on Facebook last week. “Peel has recently started an investigation project to collect soil and rock samples for testing and analysis. This work will support planned future upgrades to GE Booth Water Resource Recovery Facility.”

Workers are transported daily on and off the barges using safety boats.

“Residents can expect increased activity in the area but can be assured the work will not impact water quality,” the Region of Peel said.

The Region of Peel posted this photo of a barge on social media.

The upgrades to the water facility will “prepare for population growth” in the region, Peel said.

The Lakeview area, in particular, is expected to see huge growth in the coming years with the Lakeview Village development and proposed Rangeview development.

The Region of Peel included this photo of a common barge (not the one currently on Lake Ontario) on its website notice.

The barges will likely be a common sight this year and next.

The preparation for water facility upgrades includes drilling and sampling at six onshore and 19 offshore locations through 2025 and 2026, Peel said.

The investigation is necessary to determine ground conditions along the proposed three-kilometre outfall pipe and help staff safely develop the pipe design.

“This work maintains and improves Peel’s world-class water systems, allowing us to provide reliable wastewater services to support a thriving community for life,” the Region of Peel said.

See the project website here for more information.

Lead photo: Sarah Echlin