Streetcar 351 to close for season; some Windsor residents surprised by limited access

Streetcar 351 and the Legacy Beacon will close on Nov. 1 for the whole winter season. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell has the details.

Windsor’s historic Streetcar No. 351 and the Legacy Beacon pavilion on the riverfront will close for the season on Nov. 1, with plans to reopen May 1, 2026.

City officials said the decision is based on declining attendance during the colder months and the need to manage operating costs. But some residents said they didn’t realize the multi-million-dollar attraction would only be open part of the year.

“Our last public hours are on Sunday, Oct. 26,” said Michelle Staadegaard, the city’s manager of culture.

“But you can actually still see the streetcar outside of that time. You can contact Museum Windsor and book a group tour of about 15 people for a private visit to the Legacy Beacon.”

Staadegaard said the city’s waterfront concessions and attractions operate seasonally because foot traffic drops sharply during the winter.

“We do see traffic starting to lessen as we get into the blustery season of our winter,” she said.

“We’ll be back open May 1, 2026, for a full season of public tours.”

The restored streetcar, built in 1918, has drawn more than 27,000 visitors since opening last spring. The $10.3 million project was part of the city’s 10-year capital plan, which also includes downtown revitalization and waterfront enhancements.

“It’s been a remarkable season,” Staadegaard explained.

“We’ve had a lot of people from Windsor-Essex, but also from Detroit and beyond. People are really proud of the fact Windsor had the first electric streetcar in North America.

Ward 3 councillor Renaldo Agostino, whose ward includes the downtown and riverfront, said the closure is a practical move.

“It’s a seasonal operation,” Agostino said.

“I wouldn’t want to be the food vendor out there in January or February. It’s going to get cold. It’s going to get dangerous in some ways down there, and there’s maintenance that goes into that type of area when you’re having those operations and liability. If we’re paying staff when there’s no visitors, I think that’s a bad investment for the city.”

Agostino said the city is redirecting resources to another seasonal attraction — a new downtown skating rink in front of City Hall — which opens soon after the Legacy Beacon closes.

“I think financially it’s a smart move,” Agostino told CTV News.

“That facility is beautiful; it’s not going anywhere. Sometimes you need to miss something a little bit before it opens again.”

Not everyone agrees.

“First of all, I’ve never been there, and I think it’s honestly a waste of money,” said Windsor resident Bill Monteague.

“The city could’ve done a lot better use of that money for homeless people or affordable housing. Spending millions on something that’s open for a few months? It’s nonsense, pure and simple.”

Others said they understand the seasonal shutdown but still hope to see it open longer.

“We never know what winter will be like in Windsor,” said Beverly Cyr, a member of the local Questers Antique Club, who recently took a private tour.

“It could be bad; it could be nice. But it’s exciting when it’s open for us to see now that it’s been restored.”

Resident David Eady said he assumed the attraction would be open year-round.

“I actually thought it would be a year-round event… something worthwhile seeing and celebrating,” Eady said.

“I’d definitely like to see it open all year.”

Staadegaard said the city will continue reviewing attendance trends and costs before the next season.

“We want to be conscious of operating costs and attendance,” she said.

“It’s been a great first full season, and we’ll take what we’ve learned to plan ahead for next year.”

The streetcar will remain visible from the outside during the closure, and group tours can be arranged through Museum Windsor.