New train design unveiled for Northlander revival

The Ford government and Ontario Northland are chugging along with the revival of the Northlander passenger rail train, which will connect Timmins to Toronto.

Friday afternoon, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) along with the chairman of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) board unveiled new details of the project’s re-launch.

It’s expected the Northlander will run four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands, and it will include 16 stops in both directions. (Supplied)

New fully accessible trains will all feature modern-day amenities, including wheelchair lifts, mobility aid storage spaces, galley-style food services, Wi-Fi and fully accessible washrooms.

"We’re calling this the new era of the Northlander because this service marks a major step in the province’s transportation," said ONTC board chairman Alan Spacek.

The province is also awarding a contract to start platform reconstruction and install pre-manufactured shelters at train stops along the Northlander’s future corridor.

"This is a project that’s here forever. It should never have been cancelled in 2011," Prabmeet Sakaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation said.

"The people in the north deserve options to commute. We will do anything and everything we can to ensure that that always remains the case. It's a commitment from our government."

The construction contract covers platform reconstruction at stops in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson and Cochrane.

Prabmeet Sakaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, made the announcement Friday. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)

In each location, crews will install raised concrete platforms with improved accessibility, lighting and signage.

The contract also includes the installation of pre-manufactured shelters at stops in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores and Temagami.

EllisDon Corporation has been awarded the contract to begin construction at passenger stops north of North Bay.

Next year, the province will award a separate contract for the construction of Timmins-Porcupine station.

"This contract will cover work on the train platform, station building, outdoor parking, a pedestrian walkway, bus space and designated passenger pick up and drop off areas, and a municipal bus stop," Sakaria said.

"This will become even more important for us to build better transit options and commuting options to the north."

In the spring, the province awards three contracts to design and manufacture nine new Northlander station shelters, enhance rail safety and complete warning system upgrades.

Ontario Northland said work continues to get the service ready, from ticket pricing to the manufacturing of train cars.

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"The Northlander is not just about transportation. It’s about strengthening connections between communities and about ensuring the service is accessible for all," Spacek said.

Plans are still on track to have the train service return in 2026.

It’s expected the Northlander will run four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands, and it will include 16 stops in both directions.