The Ontario government has awarded a contract to begin platform reconstruction and installation of pre-manufactured shelters at train stops along the future Northlander corridor, marking another milestone in the province’s plan to bring back safe and reliable passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is delivering on its promise to bring back the Northlander,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The Northlander will not only bring safe and reliable transportation back to communities ranging from Muskoka to North Bay to Timmins, it will also help unlock the province’s full economic potential by supporting northern industries and resource sectors and improving access to good-paying jobs and essential services like health care and education.”
The construction contract covers platform reconstruction at stops in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson and Cochrane. In each location, crews will install raised concrete platforms with improved accessibility, lighting and signage. The contract also includes the installation of pre-manufactured shelters at stops in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores and Temagami. The government will award a separate contract for the construction of Timmins-Porcupine station.
“Northern Ontario has always been a major contributor to our provincial economy, with potential for further growth in the years to come” said George Pirie, MPP for Timmins. “By fulfilling our promise and bringing back the Northlander, our government is connecting the north to new economic opportunities and enabling improved access to services.”
In addition, the province has unveiled the new exterior design of the Northlander, giving communities a first look at the state-of-the-art trains that will soon pave the way for an integrated transportation network that connects communities from the north to the south. The new fully accessible trains will feature built-in wheelchair lifts, mobility aid storage spaces, galley-style food services, Wi-Fi and fully accessible washrooms.
“The construction now taking place will ensure the Northlander stops are safe, reliable and welcoming for all passengers,” said Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer for Ontario Northland. “We are excited to see this work being delivered and to showcase the exterior design of the trainset. These are critical milestones as we prepare for the new era of the Northlander.”
Once reinstated, the Northlander will provide southbound service leaving from Timmins and northbound service leaving from Toronto, four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands. There will be 16 stops in both directions.
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Ford announced the return of the Northlander prior to the 2018 Ontario General Election. Now 6 years later contracts for work on the stations are being issued. Our MPP frequently reminds us the trains are returning and of course we see the signs on Highway 11 to reinforce this. Why are taxpayers footing the bill for this advertising which is blatant partisan promotion. Stop talking about the Northlander train service until you give us a date when it will be on the tracks.
Well, the mid 2020’s is now.
I will believe it when I see it.
“trains that will soon pave the way for an integrated transportation network”
How soon? What integration? Four to seven days a week — which is it? What time arriving in Toronto? Reliable? How so (see VIA Rail, The Canadian). Can’t wait.
“excited to see this work being delivered”. This statement relative to this story a tad premature, ya think? Will there be a public toilet for passengers/customers at the Huntsville “station”?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a proven rail fan and public transit user (where and when possible – a challenge in this region, province and country), but I’ll believe it when I’m on it, and arriving in TO at an early enough time (see the historical timetable) to get business done or catch another vehicle on the so-referred “integrated transportation network” without the expense and inconvenience of an overnight accommodation. Go, Dougie, go; indeed.
We are so far behind much of the world in terms of public transportation that this is welcome news even if we still are using 1960s trains.
Hopeful news indeed, but strangely no timeline indicated. Please don’t tell us this will turn into Toronto 2.0.
Great news, kudos to Premier Ford for getting this done.
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/groundwork-discussions-surrounding-the-return-of-the-ontario-northlander-take-place-at-deerhurst-resort/
What is the project timeline?
Brilliant…Looking forward to the trip .Hopefully won’t need to access the new accessibility features .
Get er done Dougie and in service for Your next term as Premier as both opposition parties will probably cancel it…..” Deja Vu all over again ” !