From the Province of Ontario:
The Ontario government is delivering on its promise to bring back northeastern passenger rail service by awarding three contracts to design and manufacture nine new station shelters, including new locations in Bracebridge and Gravenhurst, enhance rail safety and complete warning system upgrades. The contracts mark a significant milestone in reinstating train service between Timmins and Toronto, providing a safe and reliable transportation option for northern and central communities and unlocking Ontario’s full economic potential.
“The restoration of the Northlander reflects our government’s dedication to supporting our small and rural communities with the critical infrastructure they need and deserve,” said Graydon Smith, MPP Parry Sound—Muskoka. ” We’re creating accessibility and mobility for our local residents, connecting them to people, places and opportunities across Ontario.”
Rick Maloney, Mayor of the Town of Bracebridge said the Town is pleased to see the Ontario government investing in shelters along the Northlander route, including Bracebridge.
“These upgraded amenities will contribute to providing safe, accessible transportation options to residents and visitors while helping support the growth and development of our local economy through improved access to tourism and job opportunities,” said Maloney.
Over the next two years, new station shelters equipped with seating, lighting and heating will be installed in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Washago.
“This investment marks further progress on the reinstatement of the Northlander train service,” said Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer for Ontario Northland. “The shelters will be safe, comfortable and accessible, providing a consistent, modern passenger experience for customers boarding and exiting the train all along the route. We are excited to see this work progress during this construction season and next.”
Construction of station platforms, parking areas and pathways will begin this summer, along with track improvements to enhance rail safety, reduce derailment risks and decrease train maintenance. Once reinstated, the Northlander passenger rail service will operate four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands.
Quick Facts
- Enseicom Inc. has been awarded the contract to design and manufacture nine new station shelters.
- Remcan Ltd. has been awarded the contract for track improvements to enhance rail safety, decrease maintenance and reduce derailment risks.
- X-Rail has been awarded the contract to complete warning system upgrades along the Northlander corridor north of North Bay.
- The Northlander service will enhance the province’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North.
- In April 2022, Ontario Northland released the Updated Initial Business Case, which included a preferred route from Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane.
- In December 2022, Ontario announced the purchase of three new trainsets as part of its plan to reinstate the Northlander.
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Maybe you should put that money into our hospital.
I certainly hope to see rail service to Huntsville and Bracebridge and all of Muscoka happen it is in lake country and help those communities get back the tourism they used to have and desperately need again.
I would certainly travel there more often.
Bravo!
Phebe Noel
Campbellton NB