Date unknown but car appears to be 1936 Ford Coupe, so one of the last years of the SW&AR

Windsors long gone streetcars: Date unknown but car appears to be 1936 Ford Coupe, so one of the last years of the SW&AR
Photo Credit: University of Manitoba

Windsor to restore antique streetcar

The southwestern Ontario city of Windsor Ontario, long a major centre of manufacturing and distilling, has another claim to fame.

Known alternatively as trams or trolleys, Windsor was the first city in Canada to have electric “streetcars”.  Like many other cities however, they abandoned streetcars in favour of busses, decades ago.

Now one of the long lost cars has been found, and will be restored by the city for display as an historical artefact of the city’s past.

Drew Dilkens is Mayor of Windsor.

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Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens © Jonathan Pinto-CBC

Windsor had a harse-drawn streetcar system  since 1872,  and the electric system was developed in 1886, a first in Canada.

The system which extended between several communities, was eventually known as the Sandwich, Windsor & Amherstburg Railway, or SW&AR.

In 1939, the transit company, like others in North America, decided busses would be less expensive and discontinued streetcar service.

The old cars were sold off, for about $100 each, and disappeared.  Only three of the old streetcars out of 220 are known to exist.

The recovered #351 streetcar inside an originial SW&AR repair shop in Windsor. The building which was to be a restaurant, has been sold again.
The recovered #351 streetcar inside an original SW&AR repair shop in Windsor. The building which was to be a restaurant, has been sold again.. This is the building with the pyramid shaped roof shown in the period photos below © Mayor’s office, City of Windsor

One has been acquired by the city and will be restored over the next two years at a cost of at least $500,000.

date unknown: *Streetcar conductor, Mr. Patrick Sr., ready to start work on the Erie Street line*
date unknown: *Streetcar conductor, Mr. Patrick Sr., ready to start work on the Erie Street line* © City of Windsor

A few years ago, a couple of businessmen bought the old streetcar servicing building to convert to a restaurant. As a theme they sought one of the original cars but these were almost impossible to find.

The original streetcar barns now serving busses probaly very early 1940’s.
The original streetcar barns now serving busses probaly very early 1940’s. A sign above the smaller dark building behind says SW&AR ELECTRIC RAILWAY © university of Windsor

Eventually they tracked one day which had been used as part of a summer vacation cottage.

The old original streetcar servicing buildings today.
The old original streetcar servicing buildings today. © google streetview

Eventually they acquired it, but after bringing it back their plans changed. When the city heard it was available they decided to restore it as an historical artefact of the city.

The 99-year-old streetcar will be restored for display purposes, and likely serve as a kiosk of some kind at the redeveloped Windsor waterfront. The cost is expected to be at least $500,000.

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