Ontario Northland’s Timmins-Porcupine Station Hits Key Milestone with Second Public Information Centre

The proposed Timmins-Porcupine Station project has reached a significant milestone with its second Public Information Centre (PIC #2) completion on June 19, 2024. This event marks a crucial step forward in the environmental assessment process, following the first public information centre in March. At these events, stakeholders, residents and Indigenous communities had the opportunity to view the concept site layout, environmental conditions, technical studies and potential impacts of the station as part of efforts to reinstate the Northlander passenger rail service.

(Image Above)Abbigail Shillinglaw, sustainability specialist (left), and Micheline Rochefort, events coordinator from Ontario Northland, welcome guests to Northern College for the second public information centre.

One of the key highlights was the open and constructive dialogue between project leads and the community. Attendees asked questions and shared perspectives, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility.

The Environmental Assessment process for the station follows the Transit and Rail Project Assessment Process, which integrates findings from various engineering and scientific studies. This process includes identifying and evaluating potential impacts, assessing mitigation strategies and establishing long-term monitoring and documentation protocols. Finishing these studies allows Ontario Northland to move to the next phase of this process, incorporating important feedback into an environmental project report.

Ontario Northland is dedicated to keeping the public informed throughout the next phase of work to bring back the Northlander. This commitment ensures transparency and community involvement as we work together toward the project's success. We thank all who have provided feedback and contributed to the environmental assessments to date.

Kate Bondett, senior manager of communications (right), sharing information with attendees about the new Northlander route.

Attendees could view the layout for the proposed Timmins-Porcupine Station and engage with Jon Corley, vice president of rail operations and other members of the Northlander project team to ask questions.

Attendees have had the opportunity to learn more about the findings of the environmental assessment process. All findings, results, and any necessary mitigation measures were included.