Volunteers Seek Space to Restore Ottawa’s Historic Streetcar 696

Efforts to restore Ottawa’s last remaining 600-series streetcar, known as Streetcar 696, face significant challenges after volunteers were forced to vacate their workspace in April 2023. The streetcar, which has been a project for dedicated individuals for over two decades, now sits in a temporary storage facility near Navan, approximately 40 kilometers from its original restoration site.

The displacement occurred when OC Transpo, Ottawa’s public transit agency, needed more space for its operations. As a result, volunteers, led by coordinator Marc Laplante, have been unable to continue their restoration work. “I miss working on the streetcar big time,” said Laplante, who spent decades as an auto body technician for OC Transpo. “I think about the streetcar every day.”

Challenges in the Restoration Effort

The new storage location provided by the city is not suitable for work, limiting the volunteers’ ability to restore the historic vehicle. Laplante expressed concern over the future of the project, stating that he worries the streetcar could be scrapped if a permanent workspace is not found. “We need a big building to finish the project,” he added.

Streetcar 696, which is 108 years old, has a storied past. After its service ended in 1959, it was acquired by the Canadian Railroad Historical Association and subsequently stored in a museum near Montreal for three decades. In 1989, it returned to OC Transpo and remained untouched for another decade until a community-led restoration initiative began in 2000. The project gained traction after a tragic shooting at OC Transpo’s headquarters in 1999, which led employees to seek a morale-boosting endeavor.

Volunteers have come from various backgrounds, including former OC Transpo employees and enthusiasts like Teddy Dong, a teacher with experience working on streetcars in Toronto. “I was sorting nuts and bolts to help out,” Dong recalled, highlighting the community’s passion for preserving this piece of history.

Community Involvement and Recognition

The restoration project has not only attracted volunteers but has also engaged local youth. Over 150 teenagers have participated in community service through this initiative, with partnerships established with the Ottawa Community Youth Diversion Program. “It has been great to get the community involved,” said Laplante, emphasizing the educational value of the project.

The group has received recognition for their efforts, winning the Mayor’s City Builder’s Award in both 2003 and 2022. Despite this, the city’s recent decision to limit support has left volunteers frustrated. “Instead of embracing that, the city just told us to leave,” Dong noted.

In a statement, Katrina Camposarcone-Stubbs, a spokesperson for the City of Ottawa, clarified that while the city has provided temporary storage, the restoration initiative is led entirely by volunteers. She noted that OC Transpo could no longer offer space due to operational needs. “The city has assisted the volunteers with securing temporary storage at Leonard Yard while they determine next steps for their project,” Camposarcone-Stubbs wrote.

The rich history of streetcars in Ottawa dates back to 1891, when the Ottawa Electric Railway Company was established. At its height, the streetcar system stretched over 90 kilometers, connecting various neighborhoods and facilitating transportation across the capital. The city was not only a hub for streetcar operations but also played a significant role in their manufacturing.

Streetcar enthusiasts like Jay Miller are working to preserve this history, advocating for signage that highlights the streetcar posts still remaining in the city. “Ottawa built streetcars for Vancouver, the prairie provinces, and some were even built for Toronto,” Dong stated, underscoring the importance of remembering this legacy.

As the search continues for a suitable workspace, Laplante remains hopeful that Streetcar 696 can one day return to the tracks, potentially serving as a historical attraction at places like Lansdowne Park. “I hope we get the chance to finish this project,” he said, emphasizing the dedication of all involved in the restoration effort.