Locale Hamilton, Ontario area Headquarters Hamilton | Dates of operation 1908–1931 | |
Track gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge | ||
The Brantford and Hamilton Electric Railway was an interurban electrified railway in Hamilton, Ontario. Construction was begun by the Von Echa syndicate of Harrisburg, but the railway was taken over by Dominion Power prior to its completion on June 1, 1908. According to Hilton & Due, this was the last interurban railway constructed in the Hamilton area and the only one built to a high standard.
The route of the Brantford-Hamilton Electric Railway from Dundas ran parallel to the present-day Chedoke Expressway and was depicted in numerous postcards of the early 20th century. This section is now operated by the City of Hamilton as the Chedoke Radial Multi-Use Trail. The cut in the escarpment leaving a stone face on either side is a direct and physical reminder of the radial railway's importance in the city's history. The path of the former railway track is lost when crossing the Highway 403 and Mohawk West, but can be picked up again adjacent to Rousseau Drive. The trail terminates at Wilson St. in the former municipality of Ancaster.
The line gave an hourly service between Brantford and Hamilton. Freight traffic was negligible.
The railway passed, along with all Dominion Power's assets, to the Ontario Hydroelectric Power Commission in 1930. All services were abandoned on 30 June 1931.