Text by James Bow
Early on the morning of Saturday, July 27, 1997, streetcars started rolling and picking up passengers along Spadina Avenue after an over 30-year absence. A group of railfans were on hand to greet the first service car into Spadina subway station, but the real party was still a few hours away.
For the morning, regular passengers arriving at Spadina station’s bus terminal were confronted with signs advising that the 77 SPADINA bus was no longer operating, and to pick up streetcars downstairs. For the morning, the streetcars worked away, while on Spadina Avenue itself, lanes were blocked off and displays set up. Finally, as the afternoon began, 510 SPADINA service stopped. There were speeches to be made, and attendees to serve before the ceremonial cutting of the rope, and then the formal launch of service.
Richard Glaze was in attendance that day and was able to capture many images of the opening celebrations, and the first day of operations.
510 Spadina Opening Ceremonies Image Archive
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Passengers wait at the old Spadina station bus platform, beside signs advising the end of 77 SPADINA service the day before. This photo was taken on the morning of July 27, 1997. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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An announcement of the launch of 510 SPADINA service, posted to the wall at Spadina station. Photo taken by Richard Glaze on July 27, 1997. |
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Passengers gather to board CLRV #4190 at Spadina station on the morning of July 27, 1997. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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A view of one of the public displays set up for the opening ceremonies in the mezzanine level of Spadina station. Richard Glaze took this photo on the morning of July 27, 1997. |
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A close-up of the "A Grand Avenue Renewed" brand image on one of the public displays in Spadina station's mezzanine level. Photo taken by Richard Glaze on the morning of July 27, 1997. |
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Passengers board CLRV 4186 at Spadina station's streetcar platform on the first day of 510 SPADINA service. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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Just before the opening ceremonies are due to start, CLRV #4154 emerges from Spadina Station. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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Volunteers from the Halton County Radial Railway pose in front of Car 327. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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TTC Peter Witt #2766 heads northbound towards Sussex Avenue and Spadina station in preparation for the opening ceremonies. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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TTC CLRV #4152 heads southbound having passed Sussex, passing people arriving for the opening ceremonies. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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TTC A15-class rebuilt PCC #4500 prepares to enter Spadina station as part of the opening ceremonies for the 510 SPADINA route. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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A rear view of TTC Peter Witt #2766 heading into Spadina Station in preparation for the opening ceremonies. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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TTC CLRV #4190 heads northbound on Spadina, approaching Sussex, passing the stand set up for the opening ceremonies. People are gathering for the 1 pm event. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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TTC A15-class PCC #4500 heads northbound on Spadina, approaching Sussex and Spadina Station in preparation for the opening ceremonies. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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A Town Crier adds a special something to the ceremonies and events for 510 SPADINA's opening day. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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TTC Orion V bus #7060 waits out of service on Spadina at Harbord, while CLRV #4190 passes southbound. Richard Glaze took this photograph on July 27, 1997. |
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And they're off! TTC CLRV #4126 heads southbound on Spadina for the inaugural parade. You can see Peter Witt #2766 leaving Spadina station behind it. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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TTC rebuilt A15-class PCC #4549 heads northbound on Spadina Avenue, having crossed Willcocks, in a special charter for 510 SPADINA's opening day. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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A private bus, painted for Buffalo Motor Bus, paid a visit to the 510 SPADINA opening ceremonies. Richard Glaze caught it crossing Spadina Avenue, westbound on Harbord. |
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TTC A15-class rebuilt PCC #4549 crosses Harbord Street in honour of the 510 SPADINA opening ceremonies. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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Railfans and other onlookers snap pictures as Peter Witt #2766 emerges from Spadina station and heads southbound on Spadina as part of the inaugural parade. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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TTC A15-class rebuilt PCC #4500 heads into the parade, southbound on Spadina south of Sussex. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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TTC Peter Witt #2766 leads A15-class rebuilt PCC #4500 southbound in the parade after the opening ceremonies. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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After the end of the opening ceremonies, TTC Orion V bus #7060 signs itself SPECIAL and heads southbound on Spadina, crossing Harbord. Photo by Richard Glaze. |
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After the ceremonies are done, CLRV #4152 operates southbound in service on 510 SPADINA, passing Harbord. Richard Glaze captures it, a fancy car, and a pennant celebrating the grand avenue. |
