Latest news with #OntarioNorthland
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
'It's happening. It's real': Northlander passenger train on track to return next year
Some 14 years after it was scrapped by the previous Liberal government and eight years after the current Progressive Conservative promised to bring it back, the Northlander passenger train is set to return in 2026. "Literally we are on track as we speak," said Al Spacek, chair of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission said. "The equipment is being manufactured and we've seen some exciting developments. Our staff have been down to the manufacturing facility. So it's happening. It's real." Spacek said the passenger service will be fully accessible, complete with Wi-Fi for guests. He also added that improvements are being made to the rail track. "This government has already invested over $70 million on upgrading the track between North Bay and Timmins," he said. "It will be a nice, smooth ride and this only represents 42 per cent of the work that's being planned on the track." Spacek said it's not yet known exactly how much it will cost to bring the Northlander back, but said the provincial government has spent "hundreds of millions of dollars" so far. "We've come a long way since the previous government said they're going to shut down this service," he said. "I'm not sure there was a lack of demand or ridership... certainly that was a decision by the previous government to shut it down for whatever reasons." Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne did indeed cite low ridership and high costs in 2012, when her government decided to scrap the Northlander passenger train and redirect that funding into Ontario Northland's passenger bus service. In 2011, the Northlander had 39,000 riders, with an annual subsidy of $100 million keeping the train running. By comparison, the 2022 business case for bringing back the train estimated annual operating costs at around $283 million, with as much as $93 million in revenues, if they hit a target of 58,000 riders by 2041. "Ticket prices haven't been determined yet, but this is a public transportation service so the cost will be subsidized. Affordability is a priority," said Spacek. "It's a right that people have access to public transportation. Passenger service doesn't make money. That's the fact of life."
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 .
CTV News
06-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Health officials warn of new exposure to measles on Ontario Northland bus
Anyone who took an Ontario Northland bus May 2 from Barrie to Sault Ste. Marie may have been exposed to the measles virus.
CBC
28-01-2025
- Business
- CBC
Community group gets 30 days to come up with a plan to save Matheson train station
A group trying to save an historic train station in the small northern Ontario town of Matheson now has a 30-day stay to come up with a plan to do so. Ontario Northland owns the century-old train station, which it had slated for demolition due to safety and structural concerns. Barb Cornthwaite, a member of the Friends of the Matheson Train Station, says they got assurances after a meeting on Monday that they now have 30 days to present a plan to Black River-Matheson town council to save the train station. Cornthwaite says Tory Delaurier— the mayor of the nearby community of Iroquois Falls, and the Progressive Conservative candidate for Timiskaming-Cochrane— told her the provincially-owned transportation company had agreed to the 30-day delay. "We've got a huge to-do list, but it means that we can find out what ducks we need to line up in a row," Cornthwaite said. Ontario Northland estimates it would cost around $2 million to bring the train station up to code, but Cornthwaite thinks it could be done for less. She said the town of Huntsville saved its train station from demolition, and it was for less than the projected cost. "Our projected cost is $2 million but from what we understand, includes other consulting fees and things like that," Cornthwaite said. Timiskaming-Cochraine MPP John Vanthof says the town of Kirkland Lake also serves as an example of what a grassroots community group can achieve to save an historic building. Community groups there partnered with mining companies in the area to save the Sir Harry Oakes Chateau, which has long served as the home of the Museum of Northern History. "Kirkland Lake is a good example," said the New Democrat member. "You're going to have to find a benefactor or someone who is willing to say yes, even if we do everything right, it's going to be half a million dollars. We're willing to pay that half million."
