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vidTO: Toronto Streetcar History

Posted by Jerrold Litwinenko / January 7, 2007

8 Comments

20070107_streetcardoc.jpgDid you know that in the fall, sap from fallen leaves makes streetcar tracks extra slippery and that our streetcars can disperse sand for added traction at the push of a button?

Did you know that in the 1940's, Toronto resisted attempts by the automobile industry to eliminate streetcars, and that by the 1970's Toronto had the largest streetcar system in North America?

This simply amazing episode of the Primitive Entertainment show "Things That Move" broadcast on the History Television focuses on Toronto and our love for the streetcar.

If you're even remotely interested in the TTC and our streetcar system, you're sure to enjoy watching this documentary.

WATCH:

Part 1 (7mins):
- the history and development of streetcar technology
- a nostalgic tour of the workhorse President's Conference Committee (PCC) streetcar

Part 2 (7mins):
- the automobile industry's secret conspiracy to eliminate streetcars
- the introduction of the Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV)
- the ingenious mechanics of today's streetcar

Part 3 (7mins):
- the St.Clair Right of Way controversy
- the culture of the streetcar and its roll in arts and urbanization
- current revitalization trends and the roll of the LRT concept

(photo: Photosapience Daily)

Discussion

8 Comments

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Tanja / January 7, 2007 at 03:03 am
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Thank you so much for sharing this with us, J. So interesting! (That narrator though... wow. LOL)
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Jerrold / January 7, 2007 at 04:15 pm
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Matt Blackett / January 7, 2007 at 04:20 pm
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They interviewed me for this but cut me out. Which is fine since I don't think I did a very good job.

Yeah, the nbarrator actually makes me want to turn it off but since I want to know the history I tried to bare with him.
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Jerrold / January 7, 2007 at 05:13 pm
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Goofy antics by the host aside, there's so much interesting stuff packed in there that I can't help but love this doc :)

Anyone want to go to Shelburn for a burger?
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Tanja / January 7, 2007 at 07:24 pm
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i am IN for the burger! I have wanted to go to that diner for a while.
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Jerrold / January 7, 2007 at 07:43 pm
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It's a <a href="http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&;hl=en&saddr=Toronto,+ON,+Canada&daddr=Shelburne,+ON,+Canada&ie=UTF8&sll=43.723057,-79.392486&sspn=0.043978,0.070295&z=10&om=1">1.5h drive</a> but could be lots of fun. I got wheels... let's try to find a day that works, take a burger road trip, and hang out in the PCC!
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Dave / January 8, 2007 at 06:59 pm
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They had better include the recent developments outside Toronto, which has been seriously bypassed in streetcars since the 1990s. Portland, Charlotte and even Washington DC have shiny new streetcars that put the TTC to shame, and Dallas and Denver of all places may soon have more light rail trackage. Toronto is utterly ignoring its best assest and historical advantage, so maybe this series will serve as a wake-up call.
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Jerrold / January 8, 2007 at 08:29 pm
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What ever happened to the Tolleybuses in Toronto (you know, the buses that run off the existing overhead electrical wiring)?
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