Our collection has been acquired from many sources over the years. We have received donations from a number of different railways and transit systems, and we have purchased several vehicles at scrap value. While most of our vehicles came directly to the museum from service, a number were used for other purposes after retirement, and by the time they were acquired they had been heavily modified as cottages, etc.
Streetcars, radials and trains historically have played very important roles in the development of towns, cities and villages across Canada and North America. Streetcars have helped to change the face of cities, society and transportation methods. We preserve streetcars so that this valuable part of history is maintained for future generations, and to educate the public on previous forms of transportation and social history. Restoring streetcars and rail cars allows visitors to experience history first-hand. Without restorations the vehicles would be forgotten.
If you wish to research our collection, access our archives or have a question, you may contact us at 519-856-9802.
The museum’s collection is constantly growing. Its collection includes streetcars, interurbans, suburbans, work equipment, gas equipment, buses and much more. There are more than 75 vehicles in the collection presently. The expansion of our storage facilities will hopefully see more of these vehicles restored in the future.
