The Northlander passenger rail service is getting another big boost from the province with a $138 million to purchase 205 kilometres of railway line between North Bay and Washago.
“This investment to acquire track dedicated to passenger service shows our government’s commitment to having another way to travel across our province,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound—Muskoka. “The return of the Northlander has been highly anticipated in Parry Sound—Muskoka and today’s announcement brings us one step closer. I’m grateful to see the focus on finalizing this project and can’t wait to see the Northlander on the rails again.”
“The acquisition of additional track between North Bay and Washago marks a significant milestone in our government’s plan to bring back the Northlander,” says Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This investment will make a real difference in the lives of Simcoe North residents travelling north and south by securing a dedicated rail corridor that is guaranteed to improve on-time performance and reliability.”
The acquisition, which was completed in late February through a $138 million investment, secures a dedicated rail corridor that will improve on-time performance and reliability, create good-paying jobs and drive economic growth across the north. While passenger rail service will be prioritized on the track, the acquisition will also support timely freight rail traffic, with freight revenues directed back to the provincial Crown corporation Ontario Northland.
“Today, we’re taking a pivotal step towards bringing back the Northlander and better connecting Northeastern Ontario families and workers to the opportunities and services they rely on,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation in a news release. “This investment will prioritize passenger service by supporting fast, reliable service along the line.”
The acquisition of more track along the Northlander corridor will connect communities from north to south and support the government’s work to build a province that is more competitive, more resilient and more self-reliant. The investment allows the province to maintain critical rail infrastructure that improves both passenger and freight service along the corridor. In addition, it will streamline freight operations in North Bay, where freight trains were previously disassembled, transferred onto CN track and reassembled before continuing south. The acquisition of 205 kilometres of the Newmarket Subdivision between North Bay and Washago represents more than 25 per cent of the rail corridor along which the Northlander will operate.
“The acquisition of a connected rail corridor between North Bay and Washago marks another important milestone in the long-awaited restoration of the Northlander passenger rail service,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “We look forward to seeing how this new era of connection and opportunity takes shape, delivering on our government’s plan to restore safe and reliable service to families across Ontario’s northern communities.”
The Ontario government has recently marked several milestones to support the return of the Northlander, including celebrating the arrival of the first Northlander trainset, completing more than $100 million in Northlander rail infrastructure upgrades and finishing construction of the North Bay Rail Bypass. Once complete, the Northlander will travel 740 kilometres between Timmins and Toronto, with a rail connection to Cochrane, for a total of 16 stops.
“This investment is an important step forward for Northern Ontario and the long-term restoration of reliable passenger rail service,” said Rick Dumas, President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. “Strengthening transportation links across the north helps to connect communities, workers and businesses to opportunity. It also sets the stage for stronger connectivity across Northwestern Ontario, helping unlock the region’s economic potential and reinforce Northern Ontario’s role as a key economic engine for the province and country.”
