There’s a buzz of excitement and a new vision surrounding the promise of the return of the Ontario Northland passenger train service.
On Tuesday, July 18, Associate Minister of Transportation Stan Cho helped cement that excitement by holding a roundtable discussion with stakeholders at Deerhurst Resort to talk about its return.
“This is a reality. The Northlander is coming back and the trains are set to arrive in the mid-2020s and to make sure that it’s operational very shortly after they arrive, that means a lot of work has to go now,” the Minister told Huntsville Doppler following the meeting. “It’s not just the technical aspect, whether it be engineering or track work or station upgrades, it’s also about preparing the local businesses and municipalities for what we know will be… increased ridership,” he said, adding that 60,000 annual train users are anticipated by 2041, and community stakeholders are being asked for their feedback and told to prepare for its arrival.
The passenger train will initially focus on a route that includes 16 stops: Toronto (Union Station), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, Timmins, and Cochrane. Cho said that as the ridership data is analyzed once the train returns, there will be an adaptive process that may see the route modified. “We expect this to create $132 million dollars in economic benefits and that’s thousands of jobs in the north and so we want to make sure this is something that’s connecting people to jobs, healthcare, and education… but also that it’s safe.”
It’s been 11 years since the Northlander passenger train was abruptly discontinued under the Dalton McGuinty government in 2012. “It never should’ve been cancelled,” said Cho. “We’re bringing it back bigger and better than ever with brand-new technology and making sure that everyone is consulted.”
Parry Sound-Muskoka Member of Provincial Parliament Graydon Smith said there is an opportunity for product development in local communities impacted by the train’s return. “I look at it similarly to when Porter came to Muskoka, there was an opportunity to develop around people arriving at a specific destination or destinations, in this case throughout the riding, and once they get there how do you get them to the next thing… there was a good conversation about what needs to happen over the next few years to create a seamless experience.”
Smith said there are a few different lenses from which to plan for the return of the passenger train, whether it be for medical appointments, visiting friends and family, employment purposes, or tourism—”all of them are important and all of them are going to take some planning between now and over the next few years.”
Asked about how to make sure it is sustainable, Smith said it’s important to make sure it is a service people want to use and that includes making it comfortable, accessible, and reliable. “I think the plan is very clear, to offer an excellent product for people to ride on that gets them reliably to the places that they need to go and I think it’ll be extremely well used,” he said.
“I’m very excited to see it come back,” added Smith who was Mayor of Bracebridge when the passenger train was discontinued and said many people were upset to see the service end. “When I was campaigning last year I was surprised honestly at the number of people… that brought it up… so I’m really excited that we can deliver this.”
Asked about ensuring the plan continues no matter who is in power, Smith said: “I think the best way to defend against something going away is A, it needs to be a good product and B, it needs to be well used and I think sadly the previous government didn’t offer a good product and because of that it wasn’t well used.”
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock was at the meeting and said the discussions about the return of the train were a catalyst for other initiatives being undertaken such as public transit in Huntsville and an on-demand public transit project the District Municipality of Muskoka is exploring.
She said the return of the train aligns with an initiative being discussed at Huntsville’s standing committee on active transportation and public transit. “One of the things that they’ve been talking about at that committee is the development of a transit hub in Huntsville. And so the hub would connect the Ontario Northland bus service with the Ontario Northland train and a more beefed up Huntsville transit and tie in with the regional transit as well as any other new and emerging forms of transportation as well as a whole industry with respect to bicycle tourism,” she explained, adding that it isn’t going to be happening overnight but it is a plan that’s in the works.
Another example Alcock gave is the number of employees that are brought into Huntsville from Barrie and other communities to work at places like Tim Hortons or Deerhurst. “Maybe businesses have something to say about how they would link into the train service coming back, so it’s that kind of groundwork that I think is really important,” she said, adding that currently employers are hiring buses or car services to transport employees and the train may be an alternative that also gives those workers another option and perhaps a bit more freedom.
She said from a municipal standpoint there are considerations that also need to take place. “Where do we need to be preparing? Whether it’s the road that enters the Huntsville Train Station. Whether it is the work that we’re already doing with respect to our public transit…,” said Alcock, adding that the fact that the Minister wants to hear from communities is really important and solidifies the fact that plans for the return of the train are an exciting reality.
Asked what happens now that Huntsville’s Train Station was sold to a private entity by a previous council, Alcock said: “Everything we do with respect to that is a bit unchartered, but I will say this that the owners have always had the concept of being part of the community and the community requirements. The fact is it still is a functioning train station. We still have commercial service going through there and that didn’t change. We still have viable tracks going through there. They will be an important part of our discussions… they’ve already been approached as to what this will look like in the future. They want to be part of it, so that’s a good thing,” she said, adding “Everything we do these days involves partnerships and that’s a good thing. I’m probably a little too Pollyannaesk but on this one, it makes all the sense in the world. They want to be part of it.”
Alcock said the opportunities are endless and as Mayor of Huntsville she was appreciative of the meeting. “I get a sense from him [Associate Minister Cho] that he really is interested as to what the impact of bringing the train will be on all of the communities from here all the way to the James Bay coast. This communication is really important.”
In April 2022, the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission released the Updated Initial Business Case which included a preferred route from Toronto to Cochrane, with a connection to the Polar Bear Express service to Moosonee.
In December 2022, the Ontario government purchased three new train sets as part of its plan to bring back the Northeastern passenger rail service. The $139.5 million investment marked a significant milestone in reinstating service between Timmins and Toronto. The train sets are on track and bringing back the train in the mid-2020s is an achievable goal, reiterated Cho.





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Too much traffic on Highways 400 and 11 that this proposed revised rail service will compensate the relief for those wishing not to drive on those highways especially during so many certain times and more frequent unpredictable snow hazards.
You can find a map of the proposed route at this link: https://media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2023/07/mto-northern-rail-en-png-800×500-WEB_4.png
So says stop in Kirkland Lake, does it go on that branch and back out? Or only stop at Swastika? Story does say Kirkland Lake.
[This is too long, I realize. Hot topic for me. I would edit it if it will be rejected]
I look forward to the return of the option of a passenger train between Huntsville (and further North) and Toronto. And thank you to Lucille Frith, Howie Wilcox and others putting their time and energy where their passion for this train and public transportation is.
Some comments on the article:
Regarding the “roundtable discussion with stakeholders”, who are these stakeholders? There are photos but no names and positions. Were there any public transportation users at the meeting?
“what we know will be… increased ridership,” [Cho] said, adding that 60,000 annual train users are anticipated by 2041.” Of course increased ridership from zero, but why this far-off date and number? Why not, as a strategy, start with one potential passenger’s needs and make it competitive with the private automobile for that one person and build from there?
“community stakeholders are being asked for their feedback”. I am a committed public transportation and train user. I just completed 40 days on six South-North regional trains from Quebec to BC, using the main line train and other public transportation between them. I can give some feedback on what I saw (that frequency/schedule matters most; that there are mostly commuters rather than tourists on the regional trains – for work, family, supplies and appointments; ‘the last mile’ to destination matters ie. taxis/local transit publicized and available, a central terminal or hub is helpful). I would give feedback; how to do so in this case?
“We expect this to create $132 million dollars in economic benefits and that’s thousands of jobs in the north.” I’m for the question: “what do people need?” rather than how much “economic benefit”. Thousands of jobs? How so? Some detail please. It’s so easy to throw numbers at the press these days.
“train was abruptly discontinued under the Dalton McGuinty government in 2012”. There must have been some reasons; what were they? Who’s opinion is “abruptly” here?
“We’re bringing it back bigger and better than ever with brand-new technology and making sure that everyone is consulted.” The proposed schedule does not remotely approach the past level of service, the daily down and back one could do when I moved to Huntsville in the mid-Eighties, and before then; so, no, not better than ever. And bigger? Among “everyone”, most importantly consult riders and potential riders. Ask them what schedule will get them on a train instead of in their car. New equipment is not the main thing in this heavy competition.
“Smith said there is an opportunity for product development in local communities … around people arriving at a specific destination … what needs to happen over the next few years to create a seamless experience.” No need to wait. If “stakeholders” rode the Ontario Northland bus, for example, they would have the experience of getting off beside the Huntsville police station at 3:21am (it’s very good at being on time) on a cold winter night and seeing nothing for information – no taxi phone number, no accommodation listing, no sign saying where you are. Not welcoming; in fact, disconcerting. Don’t need to wait or study or consult to start to improve the experience of (and the reputation of Huntsville and other towns for) public transportation users – tomorrow!
“Smith said there are a few different lenses from which to plan for the return of the passenger train, whether it be for medical appointments, visiting friends and family, employment purposes, or tourism—”all of them are important and all of them are going to take some planning”. Frequency and schedule. Reliability (the freight wait thing), third. Strategy to compete with that comfy personal automobile. Plan for the worst case scenario – much money spent on new trains, with no riders. Imagine that and change the strategy.
Smith: “important to make sure it is a service people want to use and that includes making it comfortable, accessible, and reliable”. Frequency and schedule.
“It needs to be well used and I think sadly the previous government didn’t offer a good product”. How so? What lessons are taken up? What different strategy to be employed? Easy to dump on your foe; harder to do better. I hope you do.
“Alcock: catalyst for other initiatives being undertaken such as… development of a transit hub in Huntsville.” A helpful thing – do not like a Barrie (bus terminal a city bus or taxi fare away from train station) (??) Or Toronto (Downsview GO train station has no city bus come to its door) (??)
[owners of Huntsville train station] “will be an important part of our discussions… they’ve already been approached as to what this will look like in the future. They want to be part of it”. Sounds like they weren’t a “stakeholder” at this meeting when we hear “everyone is consulted”.
To be a success train as to run to Hearst
No need to run from Toronto
North Bay is Enough
I agree with and enjoy all the comments of folks who’ve commented before me. Some great and fun idea’s.
True, we lost the previous service due in part to the schedule being ‘messed with’ , lack of equipment / service enhancements by previous Provincial Governments and the simple fact that in Canada, unlike the USA, Passenger Trains are not Priority #1, Freight Trains are. Therefore, the previous Northlander had to fight to keep its schedule slot.
There is a practical part to this as Freight trains and often large and rail sidings will hold Passenger trains and not the Freight.
BUT, just like congestion on a highway … build longer sidings and some dual track where ‘meets’ can easily be handled.
A transportation Hub with secure parking is a must.
Really looking forward to it … See you on the Train. !!
YEAH!
When we began moving permantly to our cottage north of Huntsville, we were living and working in downtown Toronto, I frequently used the train service from Huntsville to Toronto.
First, I was surprised more folks didnt use it..
Second, I loved how relaxing, easy and economical it was.
I could have a sandwich, tea, coffee, wine, probably beer.
I could do some work, or read a book.
No stress. Fair fare, compared to gas, parking, and wear and tear on a car. Not to mention on the nerves!!
It was a short taxi ride to our apartment at Maple Leaf Gardens, or a nice walk.
Now we are retired, scared to death of Toronto traffic, so we do not go often, and only if someone else drives.
Now, hoping the train service returns soon, we will have the opportunity once again to visit the city. Stress free!!
I may have missed it in this writeup and pictures, but I understand a lot of credit for the possible return of this train service should go to Lucille Frith and her team who have worked for years on this project.
Sincerely
Dennis Wilks
It would have been nice to be able to get to Orillia and Barrie, the two biggest towns but the shortsighted removal of tracks from Washago to Orillia some years back kind of eliminated this option.
Toronto residents can go to Barrie by train, although what for would be a logical question.
Orillia is sort of left hanging out there with no access.
Huntsville, to my knowledge, has no station anymore. There is land and maybe something new, smaller and better can be built.
It would be ideal if the train and bus stations where all one. Economy to be had maybe?
Wherever the station is it should have secure parking as people using the train will need to drive to the station and leave their car there until they return and just parking in a sort of “dead” industrial area where the station used to be will hardly be acceptable for this, or probably even big enough as well.
Maybe they could build a branch line to Deerhurst and Hidden Valley so winter travelers can just go direct to the final destination with no fooling around in the crowded town of Huntsville at all. Almost Utopia!
A lot of gratitude goes to Lucille Frith co-chair of NEORN who has advocated for the return of this train service for years. Now, if the Province will look into train service to the northwest and Algoma regions, all will be served with good travel options.
Howie Wilcox
Co-chair NEORN
A good product and a Reasonable Cost for a return ticket will ensure it is well used .Special fares for Seniors, students and children would encourage use .