In December 2022, Ontario announced the purchase of three new trainsets as part of its plan to reinstate the Northlander passenger rail service. The new trains, manufactured by Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, USA, will look like this:
On June 12, 2024, the Ontario government awarded a contract to rebuild train platforms and install pre-made shelters at several stops along the future Northlander corridor. This is important in bringing back safe and reliable passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto.
The project includes upgrading the platforms at North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, and Cochrane. Crews will build raised concrete platforms with better accessibility, lighting, and signs at each stop. Pre-made shelters will also be added in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, and Temagami. Another contract will be given for building the Timmins-Porcupine station.
When the Northlander begins operating, it will provide southbound trips from Timmins and northbound trips from Toronto. The train will run four to seven days per week, depending on the season, and will stop at 16 locations in both directions.
A Fresh Look for the Northlander
In December 2022, Ontario showed a design for the Northlander trains in a simple yellow and blue (and an Amtrak arrow?). Since then, the design has been updated with a new look and modern livery for the project.
Before
After
About the Northlander
Ontario Northland Transportation Commission’s Northlander passenger train was discontinued in 2012. Since then, Toronto and North Bay/Timmins/Cochrane have been connected by bus. In April 2022, an updated business case was presented, including a preferred route from Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane. There will be 16 stops along the way.
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