These developments aim to restore train service between Timmins and Toronto, offering a reliable transportation option for northern and central communities.
Contracts have been awarded to Enseicom Inc. for the design and manufacture of nine station shelters, Remcan Ltd. for track improvements, and X-Rail for warning system upgrades along the Northlander corridor north of North Bay.
The new station shelters will feature seating, lighting, and heating, and will be installed in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Washago over the next two years. Construction on station platforms, parking areas, and pathways is set to begin this summer, along with track improvements aimed at enhancing rail safety and reducing derailment risks.
Once reinstated, the Northlander passenger rail service will operate four to seven days a week, depending on seasonal travel demands. This initiative is part of Ontario's broader effort to support integrated transportation networks and contribute to the Draft Transportation Plan for the North.
Enseicom Inc.'s contract involves creating station shelters that will provide a consistent and modern passenger experience. Remcan Ltd. will handle track improvements to ensure safety and efficiency, while X-Rail's role includes updating warning systems to better secure the rail corridor.
The reinstatement of the Northlander service aligns with the Ontario government's objectives to support northern industries and improve connectivity between communities from the north to the south. This effort is also expected to bolster economic potential in the region.
The Northlander’s return reflects ongoing investments in the province’s transportation infrastructure, with the purchase of new Siemens trainsets announced in December 2022 and an updated business case released in April 2022, outlining the preferred route from Toronto to Timmins with a connection to Cochrane.
