First Electric Streetcar in Canada

On May 3rd, I wanted to check out this wonderful (and free!) Museum with a coffee shop nearby, and you would not believe where the first Canadian Electric Streetcar took place in. 

Windsor, Ontario.

Yes, Windsor, Ontario was the first-ever Electric streetcars that we 'in-use' in Canada. This was back in the mid-1800s, more specifically in 1886. 

First Electric Streetcar in Canada

Once the city decided to refurbish the vintage streetcars that were used, they coated in fresh paint, updated signs; hanging billboards that were used back in the 60's, and all signs and keep maintenance at bay.

They were focusing on making it, not only keeping it looking like a nostalgic piece of work, they tried to innovate the streetcar. 

They placed it on a track, with heavy equipment and careful delicacy to ensure the parts are kept in pace, they can reopen it in for all Windsorites (aka city of Windsor citizens) and the rest of the world to open.

Me with the streetcar

The background behind how they did this is simple. According to the official website, they were home to the 'first streetcar company' and later to SW&A (Sandwich, Windsor and Amherstberg) and the first to run electric buses with poles, wires and rubber tires. They would go on until the 1970s when they ceased operations. 

Now City Councilors and the Mayor wants to preserve the history about the streetcars that ran Sandwich street and the surrounding neighbourhood. The project took eight years to complete and it took well over many engineers and historians to get the project done right. With help from City fundings and the mayor himself, Drew Dilkens,  they got to the project right. 

I am really impressed with the murals and the historic facts about the streetcars. Learning more about Windsor's history and about the first streetcars in Canada. Below are some photos I took while I was at the museum. 

Left: One of the Walkerville Brewery Limited Edition for Streetcar No 351.
Right: How the streetcar operated back then with the controller.

One of the notes that was posted from the streetcar.

Inside what would've been the streetcar up close.

Posters of the history behind the first streetcars in Canada. 

They also had a cafeteria outside. I had a Poutine (covered in gravy and cheese), I also had ketchup on the side and a latte.