TIMMINS - At a stop in Timmins, the Minister of Transportation unveiled the design of the new Northlander trains.
Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria was at Northern College today (Dec. 6), where he revealed the sleek new look of the passenger trains. He also announced that EllisDon has been awarded the contract to build passenger stops at locations north of North Bay.
"We're very proud of this new design, which combines a modern look with the improved on-board amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience. These fully accessible trains will feature built in wheelchair lifts, mobility aid storage spaces, galley style, food services and accessible washrooms," said Sarkaria.
Timmins MPP George Pirie, Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans, Ontario Northland Transportation Commission chair Al Spacek, and Northern College president and CEO Mitch Dumas were also part of the announcement.
Passenger rail service to the north ended in 2012. Returning the service to the rails has been talked about for years.
In 2018, Premier Doug Ford made a campaign promise to restore passenger rail service and the project has been slowly chugging along since.
The plan is for a train between Toronto and Timmins, with rail service also going to Cochrane, which would connect people with the Polar Bear Express that goes to Moosonee on the James Bay coast.
The Timmins-Porcupine station will be on Falcon Street in the city's east end. The construction contract is expected to be awarded in 2025.
"This contract will cover work on the train platform, station building, outdoor parking, a pedestrian walkway, bus space and designated passenger pickup and drop off areas and a municipal bus stop," said Sarkaria.
Having the rail line close to the Northern College campus will make a world of difference for students, said Dumas.
The contract announced today is for platform reconstruction in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson and Cochrane. The concrete platforms are being raised and will have improved accessibility, lighting and signage. There are also pre-manufactured shelters for stops in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores and Temagami.
“Northern Ontario has always been a major contributor to our provincial economy, with potential for further growth in the years to come” said Pirie in the news release. “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.”
Earlier this year, three contracts were awarded for designing and manufacturing nine station shelters, track improvements, and warning system upgrades. The new trainsets are expected to be delivered in 2026.
Once reinstated, the Northlander passenger rail service will operate four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands.
