Streetcar #23 rolls out for its 20th season

by Keith Powell — May 18, 2012

The Nelson Electric Tramway Streetcar #23. —

The Nelson Electric Tramway Society is very excited to be officially rolling out Streetcar #23 this May long weekend. The trolley will run on weekends until mid-June and then will be running seven days a week. 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 Streetcar #23 running—and you can help, too.

The society is run by 73 volunteers, motormen (nine of which are ladies), conductors, maintenance crew, a dispatcher and a secretary. Its ridership is approximately 16,000 passengers per year. Streetcar #23 will start every day at the Sufferdine Station at the Prestige Inn at 11 a.m. and continue every half-hour to 5 p.m.

Streetcar 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 use diesel buses. The entire set of street car equipment was sold for scraps.

Streetcar No. 23 was used as a change house, and later a dog kennel when it was located at the Nasookin subdivision. In 1982 the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce—with the help of Selkirk College, Fortis, 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 and pins, and donations. Adults pay $3, seniors and youths 6-12 pay $2 and the family rate is $8.

The society has a hidden bonus that everyone should take advantage of—season passes, available to single riders for $30 and $50 for a family pass. The trolley is also open to events and charters. For more information contact Rudy Boates 250-367-9564 or visit www.nelsonstreetcar.org.