BRACEBRIDGE — Restoration of the Northlander passenger rail service to northeastern communities is a step closer after the government announced more than $75 million in contracts.
Associate Minister Vijay Thanigasalam was in Bracebridge Friday to announce three contracts that included new shelters and rail safety projects.
"This marks a significant milestone in reinstating service between Timmins and Toronto, providing a safe and reliable transportation option for northern communities and unlocking northeastern Ontario’s full economic potential," says a news release.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the long-awaited restoration of the Northlander’s vital passenger rail service," said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.
"We look forward to the positive impact this will hold for our local communities as well as those experiencing the beauty and opportunities of the north for the first time,” he said.
"People and businesses in Northern Ontario deserve the same access to safe and reliable transportation options as the rest of Ontario,” said Thanigasalam. “Reinstating Northlander will not only support our northern industries and resource sectors but pave the way for a more integrated transportation network that will serve communities for generations to come.”
“This investment marks further progress on the reinstatement of the Northlander train service,” said Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer for Ontario Northland. “The shelters will be safe and accessible, providing a consistent, modern passenger experience for customers boarding and exiting the train all along the route. We are excited to see this work progress during this construction season and next.”
Construction of station platforms, parking areas and pathways will begin this summer, along with track improvements to enhance rail safety, reduce derailment risks and decrease train maintenance. Once reinstated, the Northlander passenger rail service will operate four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands.
Enseicom Inc. has been awarded the contract to design and manufacture nine new station shelters. Remcan Ltd. has been awarded the contract for track improvements to enhance rail safety, decrease maintenance and reduce derailment risks.
X-Rail has been awarded the contract to complete warning system upgrades along the Northlander corridor north of North Bay.
The Northlander service will enhance the province’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North.
In April 2022, Ontario Northland released the Updated Initial Business Case, which included a preferred route from Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane.
In December 2022, Ontario announced the purchase of three new trainsets as part of its plan to reinstate the Northlander.
