Task force eyes launching downtown trolley in 2020 or 2021

A task force comprised of city officials, Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association and local cultural attractions has laid out a 30-minute proposed route for a downtown trolley that could commence operations as soon as next year.

The task force has met twice since May, when Ward 3 Coun. Matthew Shoemaker persuaded City Council to explore the feasibility of running a seasonal motorized bus downtown with exterior designed to look like an old-fashioned streetcar.

The group is now working on time estimates for the tram to reach downtown attractions, with appropriate allowance for idling.

Operational costs are also being developed, depending on whether the bus will be leased or purchased, Downtown Association executive director Josh Ingram told his monthly board meeting last week.

Costs are also being calculated for a radio and call-out system, and for the inevitable breakdowns.

"Downtown Association staff plan on bringing this concern to the [city's] finance committee after we have a more firm understanding of the scope of funds," Ingram said in a written report.

"Right now, they're trying to figure out whether it's a leased vehicle, whether there's private dollars, whether there's opportunity for partnership. There are a lot of options that are in the air right now," he told last week's board meeting.

Task force members are targetting 2020 or 2021 to begin the pilot project.

Trolleys ran up and down Queen Street from 1902 until 1941.

The trolley barn on Huron Street burned in 1942, bringing Sault Ste. Marie's trolley era to a close.