Latest news with #ChadEvans
National Post
29-05-2025
- General
- National Post
Northlander train linking Toronto to Timmins set for relaunch in 2026. What we know about it
The provincially owned Northlander train between Toronto and northern Ontario is set to make a comeback. Article content Article content Operated by the provincially owned Ontario Northland Railway, the train service was discontinued in 2012 and replaced with buses. But it's set to relaunch in 2026 with expanded service and new trains. Article content The route will include 16 stops in total: Toronto's Union Station, Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, Timmins and Cochrane. Article content The fully-accessible trains will include wheelchair lifts, wide aisles, braille signage for key features, audio and visual onboard announcements, and accessible washrooms. These amenities should make it appealing to a broader range of travellers, including families, seniors and people with disabilities. Article content Article content The trains will also have features such as power outlets and USB charging at every seat, Wi-Fi, spaces for bicycles, and a variety of seating options, including single-row seats and pods for groups. Article content Since the service was cancelled, municipalities and Indigenous communities in northern Ontario have continuously called for its return. The service is expected to eventually transport between 40,000 and 60,000 riders a year. Article content At a 2025 Northeastern Municipal Conference, Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans announced the new era of the Northlander, reports Northern Ontario Business, adding that the announcement was met with enthusiasm from hundreds of delegates. Article content Article content The new service is expected to be a significant improvement, offering a safer and more reliable alternative to road travel, especially in harsh northern weather conditions. Article content Article content Surveys conducted in the region indicate broad public support for the return of passenger rail, with many residents expressing intent to use it. Indigenous communities have shown strong interest due to the affordability compared to car ownership.
Vancouver Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Northlander train linking Toronto to Timmins set for relaunch in 2026. What we know about it
The provincially owned Northlander train between Toronto and northern Ontario is set to make a comeback. Operated by the provincially owned Ontario Northland Railway, the train service was discontinued in 2012 and replaced with buses. But it's set to relaunch in 2026 with expanded service and new trains. The route will include 16 stops in total: Toronto's Union Station, Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, Timmins and Cochrane. The fully-accessible trains will include wheelchair lifts, wide aisles, braille signage for key features, audio and visual onboard announcements, and accessible washrooms. These amenities should make it appealing to a broader range of travellers, including families, seniors and people with disabilities . Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The trains will also have features such as power outlets and USB charging at every seat, Wi-Fi, spaces for bicycles, and a variety of seating options, including single-row seats and pods for groups. Since the service was cancelled, municipalities and Indigenous communities in northern Ontario have continuously called for its return. The service is expected to eventually transport between 40,000 and 60,000 riders a year. At a 2025 Northeastern Municipal Conference, Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans announced the new era of the Northlander, reports Northern Ontario Business , adding that the announcement was met with enthusiasm from hundreds of delegates. The new service is expected to be a significant improvement, offering a safer and more reliable alternative to road travel , especially in harsh northern weather conditions. Surveys conducted in the region indicate broad public support for the return of passenger rail, with many residents expressing intent to use it. Indigenous communities have shown strong interest due to the affordability compared to car ownership. At community information events and open houses, people have expressed strong enthusiasm and support for the train's comeback, with many looking forward to the convenience and connectivity it will provide, reports the Northern Nugget . Residents, workers and visitors will have a travel option connecting northern communities with major centres like Toronto . This is especially important for people who cannot or prefer not to drive, and for accessing essential services such as hospitals and specialized care, located far from smaller communities. Individuals are sharing their anticipation online about travel opportunities. Social media posts from Ontario Northland reflect enthusiasm among residents. Residents expect the relaunch to be a step toward revitalizing communities and supporting regional ambitions for growth and improved quality of life. The Northlander's relaunch is expected to significantly boost tourism in northern Ontario by making the region more accessible, convenient and attractive to visitors from across Ontario and beyond. Local tourism operators are preparing to revive and expand packages and experiences that were previously popular when the train was running, such as 'rails, trails and ales' tours that combine train travel with local attractions, breweries and outdoor activities. The new service will allow travellers — especially those from the GTA and international visitors arriving at Pearson Airport — to reach northern destinations without needing to drive or rent a car. The Ontario government and tourism organizations are investing in marketing and expanding tourism offerings to leverage the improved transportation link. The train will make it easier for people to attend festivals, cultural events and outdoor activities in northern Ontario, raising the region's profile as a destination. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Cision Canada
15-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
BMI Group Launches Abitibi Connex to Advance Northern Ontario's Growing Logistics Infrastructure
IROQUOIS FALLS, ON, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Leading development company, BMI Group, has launched Abitibi Connex, a strategic initiative to redevelop the historic Abitibi Paper Mill in Iroquois Falls into a multimodal hub, expanding northern Ontario's growing logistics infrastructure. Advantageously located along major northern shipping routes and offering direct rail access, Abitibi Connex will serve as a logistics base for organizations in the natural resources, agriculture, and food sectors. The team has already secured an anchor tenant who will use the site to support large-scale construction projects in northern Ontario. Abitibi Connex builds on the site's substantial existing infrastructure, which includes 144,000 square feet of warehouse space, eight loading docks, storage silos, two rail bays with direct access, and more than 838 hectares of land primed for industrial, agricultural, and forestry development. "We've had people ask us, 'why now?'" said John Veldman, Chief Operating Officer of BMI Group. "For a long time, the market lacked the drive to invest in idled assets. That's changed. Today, industrial sites with multimodal capabilities are key to strengthening Canada's supply chain resilience." Since acquiring the site in 2016, BMI has been ready-stating the property, which includes restoring power and upgrading buildings. In September 2024, the project was catalyzed by a $20 million investment from the Northland Participation Fund, a partnership between BMI and Dutch investment group Business EQ. Ontario Northland will upgrade the 11.5 km rail line from Porquis Junction to Iroquois Falls. "We are delighted to support this initiative with track upgrades and look forward to providing BMI's Abitibi Connex with rail services," says Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland. "This investment will enhance connectivity and support economic development for Iroquois Falls and businesses throughout the region." The site is being developed in close collaboration with the Town of Iroquois Falls and J.L. Richards & Associates, who lead the master planning process for the former mill and surrounding lands. "Iroquois Falls is proud to partner with BMI. This innovative use of the mill as a logistics base will attract investment, businesses, and jobs to our community," said Tory Delaurier, Mayor of Iroquois Falls. With its strategic location and robust infrastructure, Abitibi Connex is poised to become a critical component of northern Ontario's growing logistics infrastructure.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BMI Group Launches Abitibi Connex to Advance Northern Ontario's Growing Logistics Infrastructure
IROQUOIS FALLS, ON, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Leading development company, BMI Group, has launched Abitibi Connex, a strategic initiative to redevelop the historic Abitibi Paper Mill in Iroquois Falls into a multimodal hub, expanding northern Ontario's growing logistics infrastructure. Advantageously located along major northern shipping routes and offering direct rail access, Abitibi Connex will serve as a logistics base for organizations in the natural resources, agriculture, and food sectors. The team has already secured an anchor tenant who will use the site to support large-scale construction projects in northern Ontario. Abitibi Connex builds on the site's substantial existing infrastructure, which includes 144,000 square feet of warehouse space, eight loading docks, storage silos, two rail bays with direct access, and more than 838 hectares of land primed for industrial, agricultural, and forestry development. "We've had people ask us, 'why now?'" said John Veldman, Chief Operating Officer of BMI Group. "For a long time, the market lacked the drive to invest in idled assets. That's changed. Today, industrial sites with multimodal capabilities are key to strengthening Canada's supply chain resilience." Since acquiring the site in 2016, BMI has been ready-stating the property, which includes restoring power and upgrading buildings. In September 2024, the project was catalyzed by a $20 million investment from the Northland Participation Fund, a partnership between BMI and Dutch investment group Business EQ. Ontario Northland will upgrade the 11.5 km rail line from Porquis Junction to Iroquois Falls. "We are delighted to support this initiative with track upgrades and look forward to providing BMI's Abitibi Connex with rail services," says Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland. "This investment will enhance connectivity and support economic development for Iroquois Falls and businesses throughout the region." The site is being developed in close collaboration with the Town of Iroquois Falls and J.L. Richards & Associates, who lead the master planning process for the former mill and surrounding lands. "Iroquois Falls is proud to partner with BMI. This innovative use of the mill as a logistics base will attract investment, businesses, and jobs to our community," said Tory Delaurier, Mayor of Iroquois Falls. With its strategic location and robust infrastructure, Abitibi Connex is poised to become a critical component of northern Ontario's growing logistics infrastructure. *Abitibi Connex is owned by Iroquois Falls Development Inc., a subsidiary of the BMI Group. Learn more about Abitibi Connex on our website: SOURCE BMI Group View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
