The government of Ontario in Canada on March 13 announced the acquisition of 127 miles (205 kilometers) of CN rail line between North Bay and Washago.
The C$138 million investment is a milestone in bringing back Northlander passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto, with a rail connection to Cochrane. The acquisition was completed back in February and secures a dedicated rail corridor, according to the Ontario government, thereby creating jobs and improving on-time performance and reliability. It represents more than 25% of the corridor where the Northlander will operate.
Passenger service on the rail corridor will be prioritized; however it also supports freight traffic with “freight revenues directed back to the provincial Crown corporation Ontario Northland,” the government said. Additionally, freight operations will be streamlined in North Bay, where freight trains were previously disassembled, transferred onto CN track and reassembled before continuing south. Along the corridor from North Bay to Washago, nearby communities will be connected with this investment in infrastructure.
Previously, the Ontario government marked other milestones in its support of the return of Northlander service. In September 2025, it competed constructing 1,074 yards (982 meters) of new track for the passenger service. In January 2026, the first of three Siemens Venture trainsets arrived for the service. Later that same month, the government announced it was investing more than C$100 million in infrastructure upgrades.
“[W]e’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.”
Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans said of the acquisition: “Today [March 13] 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.”
“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,” CN Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ghislain Houle said. “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.”
