It was Christmas 2018 and our advocacy group the Northeastern Ontario Rail Network sent this Christmas Wish to Premier Ford and all Ontario MPPS.
SURPRISE!!!
Canada Post must have delivered our letter to Santa in 2018 because since December 21, our train spotters across North America have been spotting and filming the Northlander on its way to North Bay from its manufacturing location in California.
First spotted in Lombard, IL last Sunday, then passing through Sarnia later that day, then on Tuesday at the Aldershot yard – this photo thanks to someone from Ontario Rails who headed to Burlington – THIS IS HIS REPORT: It’s cold and windy. But there are still trains to be seen! I made the long drive to Burlington in hopes of catching the brand new “Northlander” trainset. The ONR (Ontario Northland Railway) bought 3 of these Siemens SCV-42 trainsets with the hope of bringing back a once popular train, also called the Northlander. The train ran between Toronto and Timmins, Ontario, but was unfortunately discontinued in 2012 due to a low ridership and poor equipment.
They are bringing the train back with the hopes of boosting Northern Ontario’s economy, improve access to healthcare and education, support tourism, and provide a vital transportation link for residents who felt underserved after the service cut in 2012.
Leading the train is a Union Pacific SD70ACe, specifically UP Leading the train is a Union Pacific
SD70ACe, specifically UP 8577. Usually, these units never lead here so I was surprised to hear they kept it on the point. (THANKS TO Ontario Rails FOR THIS) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeo54F-QZUI)
Today (Dec. 24) it was seen in the Toronto Maintenance Centre, just west of Toronto. It’s a VIA facility. Likely proceeding to start the next stage – winter testing.
According to Ontario Northland’s Rebecca McGlynn, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ontario Northland will have news to share in the new year about the equipment, so keep an eye on their project web page for updates The Northlander – Ontario Northland.
SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL NORTHERNERS, SOUTHERNERS, AND VISITORS WHO HAVE WAITED PATIENTLY TO RIDE OUR TRAIN. IT’S ON ITS JOURNEY TO BECOME OUR PASSENGER TRAIN – SOMETIME IN 2026!!!
Season’s Greetings From Northeastern Ontario Rail Network
Lucille Frith and Howie Wilcox, NEORN Co-Chairs
Don’t miss out on Doppler!Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox six times per week!
Click here to support local news
Well done Lucille Frith.
Congratulations to all in your organization. It could not have happened without your persistent poking of the Ontario government to keep their election promise.
Bob Barnes