Ontario Celebrates Arrival of First Northlander Train

TORONTO — The Ontario government is marking a major milestone in its commitment to bring back the Northlander with the arrival of the first of three new Northlander trainsets in Ontario. The Northlander will span 740 kilometres with 16 stops between Timmins and Toronto, with a connection to Cochrane, and is part of the government’s work to protect Ontario’s economy by connecting northern communities, creating good-paying jobs, supporting local industries and driving economic growth across the north.

“Today is a great day for the people of Northern Ontario as we move another step closer to bringing the Northlander back into service, so families and workers can travel conveniently from Union Station all the way to Timmins and Cochrane,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to invest in the largest public transit expansion in Canadian history as part of our plan to create jobs, tackle gridlock and protect workers and businesses.”

The trainset is currently undergoing testing and commissioning work in Toronto before moving north, where Ontario Northland will begin testing the train along the Northlander corridor to ensure all systems function correctly and meet safety, performance and operating requirements. The Northlander is expected to return to service in 2026.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is delivering on its promise to bring back the Northlander,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The Northlander is a key part of our $100 billion plan to build transit and highways so we can protect Ontario and connect families to good jobs, housing and the services they rely on.”

In 2025, the province began construction of Timmins-Porcupine Station, awarded the contract to reconstruct platforms and install shelters along the Northlander corridor and completed the North Bay Rail Bypass, which will cut travel times by 15 minutes.

Once complete, the Northlander will offer rail service from Toronto to Timmins, with a connection to Cochrane. Service will strengthen northern industries and the resource sector while improving access to good-paying jobs and essential services, including health care and education.

Quick Facts

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

• Ontario has purchased three new Northlander trainsets from Siemens. Each trainset consists of one locomotive and three passenger cars.

• Northlander rail cars were designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Each trainset has 169 seats, including accessible seating, wide aisles, accessible washrooms, charging ports, Wi-Fi and LED lighting.

• The Northlander will enhance Ontario’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North.

Quotes

"The Northlander is an integral part of our government’s plan to equip northern communities, like Nipissing, with the safe, convenient and reliable transportation they deserve. The arrival of the first new trainset marks a significant and exciting milestone in this restoration process and will play a key role in ensuring Northern Ontario’s economy can be positioned for growth, resilience and prosperity for generations to come."

- Vic Fedeli

Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing

"Thanks to our government, Timmins is one step closer to proudly being the final destination of the Northlander. More than a train service, the return of the Northlander is an investment in the future of the north and a catalyst for long-term economic growth in Northern Ontario. By reconnecting our region with safe, reliable rail service, we’re creating new opportunities for tourism, business investment and good-paying jobs."

- George Pirie

Member of Provincial Parliament for Timmins

"Restoring Northlander passenger rail service is a clear sign of our government’s steadfast commitment to delivering greater affordability, economic opportunity and everyday convenience for the people and communities of Parry Sound—Muskoka. We’re taking action to strengthen regional connections, support local businesses and create more reliable travel options across northern and central Ontario. I look forward to riding the new Northlander trains, and I’m excited about the many opportunities this service will bring for residents, workers, students and visitors throughout Parry Sound—Muskoka."

- Graydon Smith

Member of Provincial Parliament for Parry Sound—Muskoka

"This is an exciting first step that highlights what the return of the Northlander will mean for Simcoe North. As passengers travel through our region, it will bring increased connectivity, economic activity and new opportunities for local businesses and workers. We’re proud to support a project that strengthens Simcoe North’s role as a key link in Ontario’s passenger rail network."

- Jill Dunlop

Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe North

"The arrival of the first new Northlander trainset is a significant milestone for communities across Northern Ontario that have long called for the return of reliable passenger rail. Restoring the Northlander strengthens regional connectivity, supports tourism and economic growth and ensures northern residents have safe, modern transportation options that link our communities to the rest of the province. NOMA welcomes this progress and looks forward to seeing the full service delivered for the benefit of the north."

- Rick Dumas

President, The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)

"TRACCS Transit and Rail would like to commend the Government of Ontario for continuing to invest in sustainable and much-needed transportation connecting Ontario from the north to the south. With these new Siemens trainsets, the Northlander will connect communities to services and economic opportunities that will transform the regions it serves. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this a reality."

- Mark Salsberg

Chairperson, Transit Rail Association for Canadian Contractors, Maintainers, Operators and Standards (TRACCS)

"The arrival of the first Northlander trainset is an important milestone made possible through strong collaboration between municipalities, Ontario Northland and the province. This project reflects a shared commitment to reconnecting Northern Ontario communities and providing a safe, reliable transportation alternative — especially during northern winters when highway travel can be unpredictable. We appreciate the continued partnership that is helping move this long-anticipated service forward."

- Dave Plourde

President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM)

"As a leading advocate for critical infrastructure, the Ontario Chamber welcomes this important step toward restoring the Northlander. Better connecting northern and southern Ontario will support industry, grow tourism and help build a more competitive and prosperous province."

- Julie Martini

Vice President of Public Affairs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

"The arrival of the first of three new trainsets marks a major milestone on our journey toward the new era of the Northlander. Designed with comfort, accessibility and safety top of mind, these new trainsets will offer a modern and reliable travel experience for all passengers. We are excited to continue to build momentum as we move another step closer to the launch of service."

- Chad Evans

Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland

"Thanks to Premier Ford and this government, northeastern Ontario will soon enjoy more connections to essential services such as health care and education, while supporting economic development and tourism in the region. The new Northlander service will fundamentally shift how people move across the province, increasing access to safe, reliable transportation options for years to come."

- Alan Spacek

Chair of the Board, Ontario Northland

Additional Resources

• Ontario Completes Construction of New Track for Northlander Passenger Rail Service

• Construction Underway on Northlander’s Timmins-Porcupine Station

• Ontario Awards Contract for Return of Northlander Passenger Rail Service

• The Northlander

  
  

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700        

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org