Ever wondered about the history hidden within these walls? This is Russell Carhouse a vital part of Toronto’s transit system. Right here on Queen Street East it’s been a hub of activity for over a century.
Initially built in 1913 by the Toronto Railway Company it wasn’t always a full-fledged carhouse. It began as a paint shop a humble beginning for this now-iconic facility. Six stub tracks were all it had. These tracks were solely dedicated to the meticulous painting of streetcars.
A major turning point arrived in 1916. The King Carhouse tragically burned down. This unexpected event forced Russell Carhouse to evolve. It quickly transformed from a paint shop into a fully operational streetcar division. Imagine the chaos the quick adaptation needed.
The Toronto Transit Commission TTC took over in 1922. They recognized the need for improvements. The existing structure was deemed faulty and sinking. A complete rebuild became necessary. The rebuilt Russell Carhouse reopened on December 13 1924. It was a modern facility for its time.
Throughout its history Russell Carhouse has seen many changes. In 2015 the southern entrance and ladder tracks underwent a significant reconstruction. Modern concrete-embedded tracks replaced older systems. New overhead wires and electric switches were installed. This was a crucial improvement for safety and efficiency.
Currently Russell Carhouse is undergoing another massive transformation. A project expected to last until 2028 will fully modernize the facility. This extensive renovation includes replacing all outdoor yard tracks with embedded systems. It also involves upgrading utilities installing a new stormwater system and replacing overhead lines. The ultimate goal is to fully support the maintenance of the modern Flexity Outlook streetcar fleet.
The name Russell itself is a bit of a mystery. While the TTC initially claimed it was named after T A Russell a friend of a former mayor some dispute this. Transit historian Ray Corley suggests it might be named after Joseph Russell a brick manufacturer who supplied materials for the original 1913 construction. His brickyard was close to the carhouse.
So next time you ride a streetcar in Toronto remember the story of Russell Carhouse. This unassuming building on Queen Street East holds a significant piece of Toronto’s history. It continues to play a vital role in the city’s transportation network. Its history is a testament to adaptation resilience and the ongoing evolution of urban transit.