Subscribe
December 6, 2024|Commuter/Regional

Northlander Service Revival Advances With Contract Award, Train Design Unveiling

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
A map of the proposed route for Northlander passenger rail service showing stops at Union Station (Toronto), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Timiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, and Timmins (South Porcupine), with a rail connection to Cochrane. (Courtesy of Ontario Government)
A map of the proposed route for Northlander passenger rail service showing stops at Union Station (Toronto), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Timiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, and Timmins (South Porcupine), with a rail connection to Cochrane. (Courtesy of Ontario Government)
The Ontario government on Dec. 6 announced a platform reconstruction contract and revealed an updated trainset design as part of its plan to reinstate Northlander passenger rail service between Timmons and Toronto with a rail connection to Cochrane.

EllisDon landed the contract to begin platform reconstruction at stops in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, and Cochrane (see map, top). In each location, the government said, 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. The government said it will award a separate contract to build the Timmins-Porcupine station.

Three separate contracts were awarded in May to design and manufacture nine new station shelters, improve track, and complete warning system upgrades along the Northlander alignment.

Front and full side view of the new exterior design of the Northlander trainset. (Rendering Courtesy of the Ontario Government)

The province has also unveiled a new exterior design for the three Northlander trainsets on order from Siemens Mobility. The fully accessible trains will feature built-in wheelchair lifts, mobility aid storage spaces, galley-style food services, Wi-Fi, and fully accessible restrooms, according to the government.

A side view of the new exterior design of the Northlander locomotive and cab car. (Rendering Courtesy of the Ontario Government)

Ontario Northland’s Northlander Passenger Train—which ran between Cochrane, North Bay and Toronto—was discontinued in 2012.

Once reinstated, the Northlander will provide southbound service leaving from Timmins and northbound service leaving from Toronto, four to seven days per week, based on seasonal travel demands, according to the government. There will be 16 stops in both directions. The Toronto Sun has reported that service is expected to begin in 2026.

“The construction now taking place will ensure the Northlander stops are safe, reliable and welcoming for all passengers,” said Chad Evans, CEO for Ontario Northland. “We are excited to see this work being delivered and to showcase the exterior design of the trainset. These are critical milestones as we prepare for the new era of the Northlander.”