Across the Toronto landscape, the streaks of red are an unmistakable defining landmark and a reminder as North America’s lasting streetcar city.
Brought to the city in 1977, the Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV) streetcars deserve their title as the “Red Rocket”, bringing mobility and access to the busy streets of the downtown core. After 42 years in service, the CLRVs made their last run in 2019, making room for the highly optimized version of the streetcar to meet the demands of a rapidly changing city.
Like the CLRVs, the University of Toronto Concrete Canoe Team (UTCCT) 2020 concrete canoe, 704 Spadina, represents both history and innovation. The name 704 Spadina pays homage to the team’s past beloved design space, where the sound of streetcars rolling down Spadina Ave. were always a staple of a team meeting at 704. Although a cultural aspect of the team was lost, the team persevered and upheld the values and goals that have been their foundation since its inception. Toronto as a streetcar city embodies what the proposed concrete canoe aims to be: sustainable, efficient in performance, and constantly improving in the face of change.
Class Year: 2T3
Status: Storage
Theme: TTC
Placement at CNCCC 2020: Competition cancelled due to COVID-19
Length: 5.50 m
Weight: 72.0 kg
Awards: N/A
Project Managers: Natasha Valenton, Ashley An
Concrete Canoe
