Ontario Acquiring More Railway to Help Deliver Fast, Reliable Northlander Service

Province investing $138 million for 205 kilometres of track between North Bay and Washago

NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is announcing the successful acquisition of 205 kilometres of railway between North Bay and Washago, marking another milestone in the province’s plan to bring back Northlander passenger rail service to Northeastern Ontario. The acquisition, which was completed in late February through a $138 million investment, secures a dedicated rail corridor that will improve on-time performance and reliability, create good-paying jobs and drive economic growth across the north. While passenger rail service will be prioritized on the track, the acquisition will also support timely freight rail traffic, with freight revenues directed back to the provincial Crown corporation Ontario Northland.

“Today, we’re taking a pivotal step towards bringing back the Northlander and better connecting Northeastern Ontario families and workers to the opportunities and services they rely on,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “This investment will prioritize passenger service by supporting fast, reliable service along the line.”

The acquisition of more track along the Northlander corridor will connect communities from north to south and support the government’s work to build a province that is more competitive, more resilient and more self-reliant. The investment allows the province to maintain critical rail infrastructure that improves both passenger and freight service along the corridor. In addition, it will streamline freight operations in North Bay, where freight trains were previously disassembled, transferred onto CN track and reassembled before continuing south.

“The acquisition of a connected rail corridor between North Bay and Washago marks another important milestone in the long-awaited restoration of the Northlander passenger rail service,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “We look forward to seeing how this new era of connection and opportunity takes shape, delivering on our government’s plan to restore safe and reliable service to families across Ontario’s northern communities.”

The Ontario government has recently marked several milestones to support the return of the Northlander, including celebrating the arrival of the first Northlander trainset, completing more than $100 million in Northlander rail infrastructure upgrades and finishing construction of the North Bay Rail Bypass. Once complete, the Northlander will travel 740 kilometres between Timmins and Toronto, with a rail connection to Cochrane, for a total of 16 stops.

Quick Facts

·                     The acquisition of 205 kilometres of the Newmarket Subdivision between North Bay and Washago represents more than 25 per cent of the rail corridor along which the Northlander will operate.

• The province has invested more than $100 million in rail infrastructure north of North Bay to support the return of Northlander passenger rail service.

  
  

• Northern Ontario is home to more than 65,000 local businesses, contributing more than $55.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2024.

  
  

• Ontario is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America.

  
  

Quotes

"The acquisition of additional track between North Bay and Washago marks a significant milestone in our government’s plan to bring back the Northlander. This investment will make a real difference in the lives of Simcoe North residents travelling north and south by securing a dedicated rail corridor that is guaranteed to improve on-time performance and reliability."

- Jill Dunlop

Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe North

"This acquisition represents a major advancement in our government's pledge to restore passenger rail service to Timmins with the Northlander. Securing this corridor ensures more reliable, efficient service for passengers and supports the long-term goal for growth in Northern Ontario."

- George Pirie

Member of Provincial Parliament for Timmins

"This investment to acquire track dedicated to passenger service shows our government’s commitment to having another way to travel across our province. The return of the Northlander has been highly anticipated in Parry Sound—Muskoka and today’s announcement brings us one step closer. I’m grateful to see the focus on finalizing this project and can’t wait to see the Northlander on the rails again."

- Graydon Smith

Member of Provincial Parliament for Parry Sound—Muskoka

"Today marks a significant step forward as we prepare to usher in the new era of the Northlander service. The acquisition of the Newmarket Subdivision between North Bay and Washago will support on-time performance and a more dependable travel experience for passengers. Ontario Northland is proud to work with the province to deliver a transportation network that better serves people, businesses and communities across the region."

- Chad Evans

Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland

"This historic investment has been made possible thanks to Premier Ford and his government. The Northlander service will mark a new era of connection and opportunity for Northern Ontario that will continue to benefit families, businesses and tourists for years to come."

- Alan Spacek

Chair of the Board, Ontario Northland

"On behalf of North Bay, it’s wonderful to see another milestone in restoring passenger rail service in Northern Ontario. The return of the Northlander and this rail acquisition will deliver faster, more reliable service, strengthen our city’s role as a transportation hub, and make travel easier and safer for residents, businesses, and visitors across the region."

- Peter Chirico

Mayor of North Bay

"Transportation links are essential to Ontario’s competitiveness, and to ensure all regions participate in our prosperity. Restoring the Northlander will reconnect northern communities, improve mobility for businesses and workers, and support Northern Ontario’s economic growth."

- Daniel Tisch

President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

"This investment is an important step forward for Northern Ontario and the long-term restoration of reliable passenger rail service. Strengthening transportation links across the north helps to connect communities, workers and businesses to opportunity. It also sets the stage for stronger connectivity across Northwestern Ontario, helping unlock the region’s economic potential and reinforce Northern Ontario’s role as a key economic engine for the province and country."

- Rick Dumas

President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association

"For many years, the Northlander operated on rail lines owned by others, which meant passenger service often had to give way to freight traffic. That made schedules difficult to maintain and reduced reliability for people depending on the train to travel north or south. By securing this corridor, the province is helping ensure that passenger service can be planned and delivered with greater dependability. For Northern Ontario residents, businesses, and visitors, that reliability will make a real difference."

- Dave Plourde

President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities

"TRACCS Transit and Rail applauds the Ontario government's $138 million investment and the acquisition of the Newmarket Subdivision. This critical step secures a dedicated rail corridor that is pivotal to ensuring faster, more reliable passenger service, and connecting our northern communities to fuel greater economic opportunity across the entire region."

- Mark Salsberg

Chairperson, TRACCS Transit and Rail

"CN was pleased to work with the Government of Ontario and Ontario Northland on this agreement to transfer ownership of this section of the Newmarket Rail Subdivision. By securing its own corridor for passenger operations, the province is taking an important step toward restoring the Northlander and strengthening transportation connections across Northern Ontario. CN remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to support reliable passenger service while continuing to deliver safe, efficient freight transportation for our customers."

- Ghislain Houle

Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, CN