Volunteers Fight to Restore Ottawa’s Historic Streetcar 696

Efforts to restore Ottawa’s last remaining 600-series streetcar, known as Streetcar 696, face significant challenges as volunteers seek a new location to continue their work. The project has been stalled since April 2023 when OC Transpo, the city’s public transit agency, required more space for its operations, relocating the historic streetcar to a storage facility approximately 40 kilometers away near Navan.

The restoration of Streetcar 696 began as a passionate initiative led by dedicated volunteers, including coordinator Laplate, who previously worked as an auto body technician for OC Transpo. Over the years, these volunteers have invested countless hours into restoring the 108-year-old streetcar, hoping to see it ride the tracks once more.

“I miss working on the streetcar big time,” said Laplante. “I think about the streetcar every day.” The unfortunate relocation has left the restoration team without a workspace, and the city’s temporary storage solution does not allow for ongoing restoration efforts.

Originally purchased by the Canadian Railroad Historical Association, Streetcar 696 spent three decades under a tarp at a museum outside Montreal before returning to Ottawa in 1989. It remained untouched for years until a tragic shooting at OC Transpo’s headquarters in 1999 prompted a call for volunteers to restore the streetcar. The initiative gained momentum in 2000, attracting former OC Transpo employees and streetcar enthusiasts alike.

One volunteer, Teddy Dong, who has a background in streetcar maintenance from his time in Toronto, discovered the project through a chance conversation with a bus driver. “Next thing you know, I was sorting nuts and bolts to help out,” Dong recalled.

Community Involvement and Recognition

The restoration project has not only involved dedicated volunteers but also local high school students through shop classes and community service programs. Laplante noted, “Over 150 teens completed their community service through our project.” This community engagement has received recognition, with the project earning the Mayor’s City Builder’s Award in both 2003 and 2022. Dong expressed disappointment at the city’s decision to halt their efforts, stating, “Instead of embracing that, the city just told us to leave.”

In a statement from the City of Ottawa, spokesperson Katrina Camposarcone-Stubbs clarified that while the city has provided temporary storage, it is not directly involved in the restoration project. “The restoration of Streetcar 696 is a volunteer-led initiative and is not a City of Ottawa project,” Camposarcone-Stubbs explained.

The streetcar system played a vital role in Ottawa’s transportation history from 1891 to 1959, connecting various neighborhoods with a network that spanned over 90 kilometers. Streetcars were once a common sight, known for their reliability and electric power, which was ahead of its time. Local entrepreneurs Thomas Ahearn and Warren Soper founded the Ottawa Electric Railway Company, setting the stage for the city’s robust streetcar manufacturing industry.

Despite the historical significance of streetcars in Ottawa, including notable events such as the use of the Royal Electric Car during a royal visit in 1901, the service ended in 1959 as car and bus transportation became more prevalent. Enthusiasts like Jay Miller are working to keep the memory alive, advocating for signs that commemorate the city’s rich streetcar history.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Streetcar 696

As Laplante continues the search for a suitable workspace for the restoration efforts, he expressed concern about the future of Streetcar 696. “Finding a space big enough to house a streetcar has been difficult,” he acknowledged. The streetcar, measuring 15 feet in length, requires additional space for construction equipment and volunteers to work effectively.

The restoration team remains optimistic about eventually showcasing Streetcar 696 as a historical attraction, potentially at well-trafficked locations such as Lansdowne Park. Until then, Laplante hopes their dedication and hard work will not be in vain. “One of my biggest worries is that it gets put to scrap,” he said. “I hope we get the chance to finish this project.”