The Ottawa Car Company, founded in the late 19th century, was a premier manufacturer of trolleybuses, buses, streetcars, electric locomotives, and other vehicles. Its products were supplied to nearly every major transportation system in Canada, making it an undisputed leader in its field. Learn more at Ottawa One.
The Founding of the Ottawa Car Company
The Ottawa Car Company was established in 1891 by Thomas Ahearn with the primary goal of manufacturing streetcars. The company’s facilities were located in Canada’s capital, at the corner of Kent and Slater Streets, near the governmental hub on Parliament Hill.
Thomas Ahearn owned the company outright until 1948, after which the Ottawa Car Company was sold to the prominent corporation, Mailman. Under the new ownership, streetcar production was deemed outdated as streetcars were losing popularity. Canada’s streetcar era effectively ended after World War II, and streetcar production was significantly reduced. In Ottawa, the streetcar system was fully decommissioned in 1959. During this period, the Ottawa Car Company produced just over 1,500 vehicles before halting streetcar production entirely.
After discontinuing streetcar manufacturing, the company shifted its focus to producing buses and airplanes. For many years, the Ottawa Car Company became a critical hub for crafting aircraft parts, assembling airplanes, and conducting repairs.
The Ottawa Car Company’s Products
From the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, the Ottawa Car Company was primarily engaged in producing streetcars. Among its most renowned models was the Peter Witt Streetcar, a widely popular design across North America. Unlike other streetcars, the Peter Witt model was compact, with its central doors designated exclusively for boarding. A conductor was stationed at the doors to assist passengers.
Beyond standard streetcars, the company manufactured specialized snow-clearing streetcars, intercity rail cars, and single-ended streetcars.
In the 1940s, as demand for streetcars declined and production ceased, the company transitioned to aviation manufacturing. Specifically, the Ottawa Car Company began producing Armstrong fighter aircraft in various models.
One of the company’s prominent aviation products was the Armstrong Whitworth Atlas, a fighter aircraft known for its operational excellence. Its key specifications included:
- Crew: Two
- Maximum Speed: 229 km/h (123 knots) at sea level, 216 km/h (116 knots) at 3,000 metres
- Flight Duration: Over three hours
- Maximum Altitude: 5,000 metres
- Climb Rate: 1,500 metres in five minutes
Another popular model was the Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, also a fighter aircraft, with the following specifications:
- Crew: One
- Maximum Speed: 251 km/h (136 knots) at sea level
- Flight Duration: Just over one hour
- Maximum Altitude: Over 8,000 metres
- Climb Rate: 3,000 metres in three minutes
In addition to fighters, the company manufactured biplanes for British airlines and provided critical wartime services, including:
- Repairing bombers
- Producing bomb bays
- Manufacturing flaps, ailerons, and elevators
- Developing rudders and other components
During wartime, the Ottawa Car Company’s expertise in aircraft manufacturing played a crucial role in supporting Canada’s naval and air forces.
The Ottawa Car Company was a pioneering force in the transportation and aviation sectors, leaving a lasting impact on both industries. While its streetcar production may have ended, its contributions to aviation during World War II and its role in shaping Canada’s transportation infrastructure remain an integral part of the nation’s history.