Ontario Electric Railway Historical Association

The Ontario Electric Railway Historical Association (OERHA) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historical electric rail transportation. Incorporated in 1962 and originally established in 1954, the association serves as a registered charity committed to educating the public about the electric railway history of Ontario and Canada[2][5].

History

The OERHA traces its roots to 1953 when a group of enthusiasts sought to save a Toronto Transit Commission streetcar from being scrapped. This initial preservation effort led to the acquisition of land formerly part of the Toronto Suburban Railway in Nassagaweya Township, where the Halton County Radial Railway Museum (HCRR) was developed. The museum officially opened in 1972, growing from the shared vision of the founders to inform, educate, and inspire interest in electric railway heritage[5].

Activities and Facilities

The OERHA owns and operates the Halton County Radial Railway Museum, a full-size electric railway and museum located in Ontario. The museum features a collection of historic electric railcars, radial cars, and work cars spanning from the late 19th century to the mid-1990s, displayed and operated on approximately two kilometers of track. The collection includes streetcars, radial railway vehicles, and various buses, serving both preservation and educational purposes[1][2][5].

The museum is primarily volunteer-run, with volunteers engaging in restoration, maintenance, visitor services, marketing, and administration. The OERHA also hosts special events, educational programs, and offers unique opportunities such as birthday parties and film photo shoots at the museum site[1].

Membership and Community Engagement

The OERHA encourages public participation through membership opportunities, welcoming individuals, families, and businesses interested in historic preservation, railway history, and museum activities. Members benefit from free admission to the museum and events, discounts on purchases, newsletters, and opportunities to participate in streetcar operations, among other privileges. The association fosters skill development, volunteerism, and a community dedicated to preserving railway heritage[4].

Governance and Funding

The association is governed by elected officers, including a president and a general manager, with elections held annually in April. Funding comes from fundraising efforts, donations, and admission fees collected at the museum[2].

The OERHA remains a central figure in Ontario’s historic preservation landscape, promoting the legacy of electric railway transportation through active restoration, public education, and volunteer involvement, primarily through the Halton County Radial Railway Museum. Its commitment contributes significantly to the conservation of Canadian transportation heritage.