Ottawa's connection to its streetcar past has taken a meaningful step forward, as heritage streetcar No. 696 has officially been relocated to the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls.
For transit history buffs and anyone who grew up hearing stories about Ottawa's old electric streetcar network, this is a big deal. Streetcar 696 is now part of the museum's growing collection of historic rail equipment — a fitting home for a vehicle that once rattled through the capital's streets.
A Piece of Ottawa's Transit Legacy
Ottawa once had a thriving streetcar network that connected neighbourhoods across the city, long before the LRT became the transit story of our time. The system carried generations of Ottawans to work, school, and back again before buses took over mid-century. Vehicles like No. 696 are rare surviving reminders of that era — rolling artifacts that carry the memory of a city that looked and moved very differently.
Preserving these pieces of history isn't just about nostalgia. It's about keeping a tangible link to how urban life in Ottawa was shaped by public transit decisions made decades ago — decisions whose echoes we still feel today every time there's a delay on the Confederation Line.
Why Smiths Falls Makes Sense
The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls is one of the region's premier heritage rail institutions, and it's a natural fit for streetcar 696. The museum already houses an impressive collection of locomotives, rail cars, and equipment that tell the story of rail travel across Eastern Ontario.
Smiths Falls is just about an hour's drive southwest of Ottawa, making it an accessible day trip for curious locals and families. If you haven't visited the museum before, this new addition gives you a great reason to make the trip.
Heritage Preservation in Action
Moves like this don't happen overnight. Relocating a historic streetcar takes coordination between heritage organizations, museums, and volunteers who care deeply about keeping this history alive. Heritage Ottawa has been instrumental in championing the preservation of the city's architectural and cultural landmarks for decades, and efforts like this one reflect that ongoing commitment.
For a city that's been in constant transformation — with rapid LRT expansion, downtown redevelopment, and debates about intensification — moments that pause to honour where Ottawa came from carry real meaning.
Go See It
If you're looking for a weekend outing that combines history, a scenic drive through Eastern Ontario, and something genuinely interesting to show the kids, a trip to the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario is worth adding to your list. Streetcar 696 is now waiting there, ready to tell its story to a new generation of Ottawa residents.
Keep an eye on the museum's programming — events and guided tours are typically offered throughout the warmer months, and a newly arrived piece like this may well become a centrepiece of upcoming exhibits.
Source: Ottawa Citizen. Read the original story at ottawacitizen.com.
