BC’s Forgotten Streetcar – Nelson’s Streetcar by The Lake!
BC has an almost forgotten heritage streetcar in operation and may be the only heritage streetcar in operation in the province if Vancouver’s heritage streetcar does not operate this year, and that is the charming Nelson streetcar.
Nelson Streetcar rolls out for 20th season on tracks
beginning Wednesday
by Nelson Daily staffStreetcar #23 is back for another season on the tracks ai??i?? the 20th campaign for the Nelson Electric Tramway Society.
Just in time for the May long weekend, the Trolley runs weekends until mid-June before switching to a seven-days-a-week operation.
The 2012 season is also a milestone as the society has been in operation for 20 years.
A strong group of volunteers with a train full of passion have been the driving force keeping the society alive and well.
The Society boasts 73 volunteers, motormen (nine of which are ladies), conductors, maintenance, a dispatcher and a secretary.
Ridership is approximately 16,000 passengers per year. Streetcar #23 starts at the Sufferdine Station at the Prestige Inn at 11 a.m. and continuing every half hour to 5 p.m.
Street Car No. 23 was built in 1906 by the Stephenson Car Company of New Jersey for the Forest City Railway in Cleveland Ohio.
This car was purchased by the City of Nelson in 1924 and serviced the City Uphill, main streets and Fairview until June 20,1949 when the City opted to diesel buses.
The entire street car equipment was sold for scrap.
Car No. 23 was used as a change house and later a dog kennel located at the Nasookin subdivision.
In 1982 the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, with the help of Selkirk College, Fortis BC, C.P. Rail, City of Nelson and many hours of volunteer labour, rebuilt the car. Mechanical and electrical equipment was brought in from as far away as Brussels and Melbourne.
In 1987 the Chamber relinquished the project to the Nelson Electric Tramway Society.
The only revenue to cover expenses is from in-car advertising and from passenger fares, sale of post cards & pins and donations. Adults pay $3, seniors & youths 6-12, $2, family rate is $8.
The Society has a hidden bonus that everyone should take advantage of, season passes, available for single riders for $30 and a family pass for $50.
The Trolley is also open to events and charters, for more information contact Rudy Boates 250-367-9564 or visit
