Northlander Passenger Rail Updates

Ontario Northland is proud to be working toward the reinstatement of passenger rail in Northeastern Ontario! 

The passenger train service, also known as the Northlander, will fundamentally shift how people move across the province, creating a more connected, integrated transportation network.

This page will keep you up to date on the progress we are making on reinstating this vital transportation service. Please join us in celebrating each milestone as we mark the important steps we are taking to bring back passenger rail service to northeastern Ontario.

Map

Northeastern passenger rail service will provide service from Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane.  

 

The route identifies 16 stops including Toronto (Union Station), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake (Swastika), Matheson, Timmins, and Cochrane. 

 

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New Equipment Announcement Ontario Northland was pleased to welcome Associate Minister of Transportation Stan Cho to our station in North Bay Dec 15, 2022 READ MORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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FAQ

What is Northeastern Passenger Rail? 

Northeastern passenger rail service will provide service from Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane. This service was provided by Ontario Northland until it was discontinued in 2012. The current business plan anticipates a re-launch of service in the mid-2020s.

How many stops will the future service include? 

The route identifies 16 stops including Toronto (Union Station), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake (Swastika), Matheson, Timmins, and Cochrane.

What are the potential ridership forecasts? 

By 2041, annual ridership is currently estimated to be between approximately 40,000 and 60,000 annual boardings with a Timmins terminus station and a connection to Cochrane. The connection to Cochrane would also serve an additional 5,300 residents with reliable rail service, allowing the rail service to reach a total of 176,000 residents.

When do you anticipate delivery of the three trainsets?

This procurement will keep us on track to launch the service in the mid 2020’s. 

Milestones

• December 15, 2022: Ontario Northland procures three new trainsets to be built for 2026.


• April 10, 2022: The province committed a $75 million investment to bring passenger rail service back and released the Updated Initial Business Case to advance planning of the preferred route.
   
• November 2021: Timmins announced as the terminus station.
   
• May 2021: Release of the Initial Business Case and a proposed service option. 
   
• March 2021: The province committed $5 million for planning and design work as part of the 2021 Ontario Budget. 
   
• December 2020: Released the draft transportation plan for Northern Ontario. One of the key actions includes continuing to move forward on a plan for passenger rail services.