Our mini train and retail team is ready for summer visitors! Yoojung, Celyn, Will, and Pansy have all been here for 3+ seasons and can answer any questions you have about our site.
Jun 18, 1910: the Polson Iron Works launches the Toronto Ferry Company's $75,000 side wheel steamer "Trillium" at the foot of Sherbourne Street. The Trillium was acquired by the Toronto Transportation Commission when it took over operation of island ferry services in 1926. 1/2
The ferry was sold to the Metro government in 1957 and abandoned in a Toronto Island lagoon. She was restored to operation in 1976, at a cost of $950,000. The then-107 year-old Trillium was refurbished again in 2017. The city appears to have removed her from service in 2025. 2/2
The Tempo train sets survived into the VIA Rail era, when they were sold to a ski train in Colorado and a mining/commuter operation in Quebec. The Colorado cars returned to Canada in 2009, and have since been used on the Agawa Canyon tourist train in northern Ontario. 3/3
The Toronto Railway Museum has launched a new Google Maps listing to highlight the TRM Shop at Don Station and the Mini Train. We need your help to populate it with positive 5-star reviews! Thank you for your support!
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Jun 15, 1996: the Toronto Transit Commission opens its new Exhibition streetcar loop, replacing the old loop to the south that was removed to make way for the new National Trade Centre. The new TTC passenger loading and unloading area was close to GO Transit's Exhibition Station.
Jun 16, 1856: Grand Trunk Railway begins passenger service between Queen's Wharf on the Toronto waterfront and the City of Guelph. The construction contractor on this line was Toronto engineer Casimir Gzowski. Today, this forms part of the GO Transit Kitchener line.
CN modified six RS-18 diesel locomotives with faster top speeds, head-end power and distinctive orange, grey and black Tempo colours. It also introduced twenty-five electrically-heated Hawker-Siddeley passenger cars in coach, club-lounge and food service configurations. 2/3
Jun 17, 1968: the Canadian National Railway introduces completely re-equipped passenger trains in southwestern Ontario, branded as "Tempo" service. Toronto Mayor William Dennison officially inaugurated the new Tempo equipment at Toronto Union Station on CN train No. 151, departing for Sarnia. 1/3
