The City of Windsor has been honored with the prestigious Kulisek Prize by the University of Windsor's history department for the meticulous restoration of Streetcar No. 351. Mayor Drew Dilkens accepted the award and a copper-and-brass replica of the streetcar on behalf of the city and Museum Windsor during a ceremony on Tuesday.
Recognition of Community Efforts
Robert Nelson, head of the University of Windsor's Department of History, praised the collaborative efforts behind the project. "With this award we recognize the extraordinary efforts made by community historians and the city's heritage experts in restoring, conserving, preserving and sharing Streetcar No. 351 and creating the corresponding historical exhibition at the riverfront Legacy Beacon," he said. Nelson also commended Mayor Dilkens and city council for their commitment to history and public accessibility.
About the Kulisek Prize
Named after local historian and long-time history professor Larry Kulisek, the annual prize is awarded to a distinguished and complete project on the history of Windsor, Essex County, Kent, and Lambton counties. Eligible projects include exhibitions, books, films, monuments, or the restoration of historic artifacts, buildings, or sites.
Streetcar No. 351 Restoration
The city unveiled the 50-foot, 24,000-pound streetcar in April 2025 after craftsmen at RM Auto Restoration in Blenheim spent months reconstructing thousands of parts. The streetcar now resides in the Legacy Beacon, a glass-front building at the foot of Caron Avenue on Windsor's waterfront. Since opening, the site has attracted more than 29,000 visitors.
Mayor Dilkens highlighted the project's alignment with city master plans: "The riverfront is our best natural feature, and this level of investment in activating new spaces, attracting residents and visitors, and creating a real destination point was a perfect project." He also thanked the Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers Union Local 235 for donating the copper-and-brass replica.
Visitor Information
The streetcar site operates from May 1 to September 7 (Labour Day). Hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. From Labour Day until Halloween, it is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The concession stand runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Private tours are available year-round for a fee and can be booked by contacting Museum Windsor at 519-253-1812 or wmuseum@citywindsor.ca.
