Your history. Your inbox.
7 uniquely curated newsletters to choose from.
The Cut-off
This snapshot from 1940s Winnipeg captures a moment of urban tension: a car cutting off a streetcar at an intersection, mid-turn. Streetcars were once the veins of Canadian cities — from coast-to-coast, they buzzed with the promise of modernity and quicker commutes. By the mid-’50s, however, rising car ownership and cheap gas led governments to favour roads over rails, so many cities paved over their streetcar tracks.
As this photo shows, the relationship between drivers and transit has always been complicated. Most streetcar operators might have traded clanging bells for bus horns, but one thing remains timeless: bad driving. Some habits, unfortunately, never go out of style.
Your history. Your inbox.
With 7 uniquely curated newsletters to choose from, we have something for everyone.
Help keep Canada’s stories true, strong, and free
We hope you’ll help us continue to share fascinating stories about Canada’s past by making a donation to Canada’s History Society today.
We highlight our nation’s diverse past by telling stories that illuminate the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians, and by making those stories accessible to everyone through our free online content.
We are a registered charity that depends on contributions from readers like you to share inspiring and informative stories with students and citizens of all ages — award-winning stories written by Canada’s top historians, authors, journalists, and history enthusiasts.
Any amount helps, or better yet, start a monthly donation today. Your support makes all the difference. Thank you!
Themes associated with this article
Advertisement
