Volunteers Fight to Restore Ottawa’s Historic Streetcar 696

Ottawa’s last remaining 600-series streetcar, known as Streetcar 696, faces an uncertain future as volunteers strive to restore it to operational status. The historic vehicle, which has been a community project for over two decades, was recently relocated to a storage facility approximately 40 kilometers away from its former worksite. This move has raised concerns about the viability of the restoration efforts.

For years, dedicated volunteers, including Yvan Laplante, have devoted countless hours to restoring the 108-year-old streetcar. Laplante, who spent decades as an auto body technician for OC Transpo, expressed his frustration at the recent developments. “I miss working on the streetcar big time,” he said. “I think about the streetcar every day.”

In April 2023, OC Transpo requested the volunteers to vacate their workspace at the Merivale garage due to space constraints. The streetcar was subsequently moved to Leonard Yard, where it remains locked away and inaccessible for restoration work. “The new space is only for temporary storage,” Laplante explained. “Volunteers are not allowed to work on it.” The hope remains that a new location can be found for restoration efforts to resume.

Over the years, the project has been a source of pride for the community, engaging numerous volunteers. Laplante recounted a personal connection to the streetcars, sharing, “I remember my father telling me about how he used to go on the streetcars and what it meant to him.”

Streetcar 696 was initially retired from service in 1959 and later acquired by the Canadian Railroad Historical Association. After spending three decades in a museum outside of Montreal, it returned to OC Transpo in 1989 but suffered neglect for many years. In 2000, the restoration project began in earnest, fueled by a desire to boost morale following a tragic incident at OC Transpo’s headquarters.

The project has not only attracted former OC Transpo employees but also individuals with a passion for streetcars, such as volunteer Teddy Dong. Dong, who has experience working on streetcars in Toronto, got involved after a conversation with a bus driver piqued his interest. “Next thing you know, I was sorting nuts and bolts to help out,” he said.

Community involvement has been a hallmark of the restoration initiative. The Ottawa Community Youth Diversion Program has allowed local youth to participate, with over 150 teens completing community service through the project. Laplante noted, “It has been great to get the community involved.” The volunteers’ dedication has not gone unnoticed, earning them accolades such as the Mayor’s City Builder’s Award in both 2003 and 2022.

Despite the challenges, the commitment from volunteers remains steadfast. “The project benefits the community and gives people hands-on experience,” Dong stated. Yet, the city’s decision to halt support has left many feeling disheartened. In a statement, City of Ottawa spokesperson Katrina Camposarcone-Stubbs clarified the city’s position, emphasizing that the restoration is a volunteer-led initiative and not a direct city project.

Historically, streetcars played a crucial role in Ottawa’s transportation system from 1891 until 1959, providing vital connections across the city. The Ottawa Electric Railway Company, founded by local entrepreneurs Thomas Ahearn and Warren Soper, developed a network that once spanned over 90 kilometers. Streetcar enthusiasts today, like Jay Miller, reflect on the city’s rich transit heritage, advocating for greater public awareness of its history.

In light of the current situation, Laplante is actively seeking a new home for Streetcar 696, one that can accommodate both the vehicle and the necessary restoration equipment. “We need a big building to finish the project,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of finding a suitable location. The group hopes to have the streetcar operational again, potentially as an attraction at a site like Lansdowne Park, allowing the community to appreciate the fruits of their labor.

As efforts to restore Streetcar 696 remain stalled, Laplante’s greatest concern is the potential fate of the historic vehicle. “One of my biggest worries is that it gets put to scrap,” he remarked. “I hope we get the chance to finish this project.” The future of this cherished piece of Ottawa’s history lies in the balance, hinging on the determination of its volunteers and the support of the community.