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Spadina Streetcar Opening Ceremonies, July 27, 1997

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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