Future Northlander passengers give input at public information session
Ontario Northland pulled into Timmins on Friday to get feedback from future passengers.
Officials wanted to hear what expectations people have for the new rail service that will operate from Union Station to Timmins -- and points in between.
"We want to ask them why is it you will use the train" said Chad Evans, chief executive officer of Ontario Northland.
"We want to hear about their trips so that we can make sure we’re making decisions as we go along the implementation path that result in a service that meets their expectations."
A Timmins city councillor is excited there will be another mode of transportation for the area.
“This is what we’ve been missing and it’s good for the whole north," said John Curley.
"It’s not strictly (for the) City of Timmins; all the outlying areas, the train will be going by their door, they can get on."
“I do think that they should include a few more stops and I’ve pointed out to the officials here that they’ve overlooked Porquois Junction, which is a feeding location for the Town of Iroquois Falls," said Jim Brown, a resident of Iroquois Falls.
Ontario Northland officials said 2021 survey results indicated people want to get to Toronto as early as possible and that's why the Northlander will be an overnight service. It'll arrive in Toronto mid-morning to give people the day to do their business and then return north that night.
The Ontario Northlander project is at the point it needs public feedback and is hosting information sessions throughout the region. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News)"These train sets that we’ve ordered, they have (reclining) seats, they’re spacious; adjustable LED lighting that will be thoughtfully used as people travel on the overnight portion of the journey," said Evans.
“Rail is comfortable, it’s all weather, it’s safe and it’s affordable," said Al Spacek, chair of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.
"I can’t speak enough of how happy we are that this investment is coming to us and we’ll have it up and running so northerners can enjoy the same level of service that other people around the province do."
People are also invited to vote on the design of the new Northlander. One is more colourful than the other and it took the lead at the information session in Timmins.
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
- Want more local news? Check out the Timmins page
Ontario Northland also wants to know what kind of food and beverages people would like to eat at their seats.
More public input sessions are planned, and those will be posted on the company's website.
Officials expect the service to be ready in a couple of years.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Another inmate dead at notoriously harsh Newfoundland jail, officials confirm
An inmate has died at Her Majesty's Penitentiary in Newfoundland, one of the oldest operating provincial jails in the country, officials with the provincial Justice Department confirmed.
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
Ships face Houthi-claimed attack in Red Sea as officials say a U.S. warship also fires in self-defence
Commercial ships came under attack Sunday by drones and missiles in the Red Sea and a U.S. warship there opened fire in self-defence as part of an hourslong assault claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, officials said.
Fatal stabbing of German tourist by suspected radical puts sharp focus on Paris Olympics
A bloodstain by a bridge over the Seine river was the only remaining sign on Sunday of a fatal knife attack 12 hours earlier on a German tourist, allegedly carried out by a young man under watch for suspected Islamic radicalization.
Israel says military offensive in crowded southern Gaza will be 'no less strength' than in the north
The Israeli military said Sunday it had expanded its ground operations to every part of Gaza and ordered more evacuations in the crowded south, followed by heavy bombardment, as it vowed that operations there against Hamas would be 'no less strength' than its earlier offensive in the north.
Kyiv investigates allegations Russian forces shot surrendering Ukrainian soldiers
Ukrainian officials on Sunday launched an investigation into allegations that Russian forces killed surrendering Ukrainian soldiers -- a war crime if confirmed -- after grainy footage on social media appeared to show two uniformed men being shot at close range after emerging from a dugout.
1 in 12 hospitals around the world at risk of shutting down because of extreme weather events, report warns
One in 12 hospitals around the world are at risk of total or partial shutdown from extreme weather events by the end of the century if countries fail to curb fossil fuel emissions, a new report warns.
Rare Maud Lewis paintings up for auction online, valued at $35,000
Three rare Maud Lewis paintings are up for auction online today, estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars each.
Barrie
-
Police investigating suspicious fire at Blue Mountains housing development
Police in the Town of the Blue Mountains are investigating a suspicious fire at a housing development.
-
Barrie police inspector faces discreditable conduct charge following OPP investigation
A senior Barrie police officer is facing a charge of discreditable conduct following a recent investigation conducted by provincial police.
-
Arson charges laid after multiple fires at Collingwood tire shop last month
A man is facing charges of Arson after multiple fires broke out at a tire shop in Collingwood last month.
Toronto
-
What's Ontario's winter forecast this year? Here's what you need to know
Winter is coming, but what will that look like in Ontario? Well, El Niño could bring on a milder season than usual this year.
-
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
-
Police search for suspects, witnesses following Gardiner Expressway hit-and-run
Toronto police are searching for suspects following a hit-and-run on the Gardiner Expressway that left the road closed for several hours on Saturday.
Ottawa
-
WINTER STORM WARNINGWINTER STORM WARNING Messy winter weather coming Ottawa's way this weekend
A messy mix of winter weather is about to hit Ottawa, with the potential to create serious traffic headaches Sunday and into Monday morning.
-
No injures to humans or animals reported after east-end barn fire
Ottawa Fire Services says no humans or animals were hurt as crews battled a barn fire in the city's rural east end earlier this weekend.
-
Here's what you can buy in Ottawa for over $1 million in 10 neighbourhoods
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what you can buy for over $1 million in 10 neighbourhoods across Ottawa in December.
Kitchener
-
Pedestrian and young child struck while crossing a Kitchener street
A Cambridge man and a young child were taken to hospital Saturday afternoon after being struck by an SUV while crossing a Kitchener street.
-
Alleged victims speak out after a Waterloo, Ont. man posed as a CSIS agent and scammed women out of millions
Several women have come forward claiming they were victims of a romance scam by a Waterloo, Ont. man. Police believe he allegedly defrauded dozens of women out of more than $2 million over 15 years.
-
'Start thinking in innovative ways': Cambridge councillor pushing for new idea to tackle affordable housing crisis
A Cambridge city councillor is calling for a new way to tackle the local affordable housing crisis.
London
-
Two-vehicle collision temporarily closes Wonderland Road South between Highway 402 on-ramps
Injuries have been reported after a two-vehicle collision shut down a section of Wonderland Road South between the Highway 402 on-ramps late Saturday night.
-
Fog advisory issued for London, Ont.
The Forest City has found itself shrouded in fog on Sunday, and is therefore under an advisory by Environment Canada warning people to take extra caution if on the roads.
-
'What do we need and what do we want?' Sarnia mayor vows to knock down proposed 8 per cent tax hike
Sarnia City Council will set the city budget on Tuesday, with the proposed tax hike sitting at more than eight per cent. But the city’s mayor is vowing to knock that down.
Windsor
-
Windsor police investigating 'targeted' double shooting
A man and a woman are suffering from serious gunshot-related injuries following a double shooting early Saturday morning at a downtown Windsor residence.
-
Chatham woman arrested for uttering death threats at store owner
A Chatham woman is facing charges after she allegedly threatened to kill a store owner and burn down the building on Saturday evening.
-
What's Ontario's winter forecast this year? Here's what you need to know
Winter is coming, but what will that look like in Ontario? Well, El Niño could bring on a milder season than usual this year.
Montreal
-
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
-
Two dead, two injured in Quebec head-on highway collision
Two people have died, and two others were seriously injured in a head-on collision Saturday evening on Highway 50 between the towns of Lachute and Mirabel, Que.
-
Slovakia's Vlhova leads, Canada's Grenier 11th after first run in giant slalom
Slovakian skier Petra Vlhova posted the fastest time in the first run of a women's World Cup giant slalom event on Sunday at Mont-Tremblant. Vlhova, who won silver in giant slalom on Saturday, leads with a time of one minute 6.46 seconds.
Atlantic
-
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon nets over $600,000 for children in need
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its Maritime traditions on Saturday, showcasing various Maritime talents throughout the seven-hour show.
-
Weather statements issued ahead of Sunday night and Monday snowfall
A low pressure system exiting the northeastern United States and then passing by the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia will bring a mix of snow and rain to the region Sunday night and Monday.
-
New Brunswick market brings another reason to support local
Two vendors at Saturday’s Christmas craft and bake sale in Salisbury, New Brunswick brought forward some extra holiday cheer and another reason to support local.
Winnipeg
-
'It's historic': Holiday open house returns to Manitoba Legislature
A long-standing holiday tradition returned to the Manitoba Legislature Saturday.
-
Chad Allan, founding member of Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, dies at 80
Celebrated musician Chad Allan, who carved a place in Canadian rock music history as co-founder of iconic bands the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has died. He was 80.
-
North End duplex complete loss after fire sends one to hospital
One person is recovering in hospital after an overnight blaze in the North End.
Calgary
-
1 dead in Sunday morning shooting at gas station on Sunchild First Nation
A man was shot to death Sunday morning at the Sunchild First Nation gas station.
-
Ground broken on construction of new U of C veterinarian medicine facilities
The University of Calgary is receiving more provincial funding for its new veterinary medicine facilities.
-
Calgary police seek public assistance in search for Amanda Mary Hunt
Calgary police are asking for help finding a woman missing for almost a month.
Edmonton
-
1 dead in Sunday morning shooting at gas station on Sunchild First Nation
A man was shot to death Sunday morning at the Sunchild First Nation gas station.
-
Gun sighting prompts lockdown of West Edmonton Mall Saturday
West Edmonton Mall was locked down late Saturday afternoon after a shopper was seen with a gun.
-
'You can feel the excitement': Historic Italian Bakery reopens after arson
Edmonton's Chinatown warmly welcomed back a sweet Italian staple Saturday.
Vancouver
-
13-year-old boy and father targeted in Richmond double homicide, investigators say
Homicide investigators say the two people found dead inside a Richmond home Thursday night were father and son, and evidence gathered so far suggests they were targeted.
-
6-month ban, $2,000 penalty for Abbotsford dentist who admitted to improperly touching staff member
An Abbotsford dentist who was the subject of "extraordinary action to protect the public" earlier this year has reached a consent agreement with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals.
-
Number of British Columbians lost to toxic drugs in 2023 surpasses 2,000
At least 2,039 British Columbians have lost their lives to toxic drugs so far in 2023, according to the latest data release from the BC Coroners Service—marking the third year in a row more than 2,000 people have died from the province's ongoing overdose crisis.
