Construction of Ontario Northland rail station shelters begins this summer

In the next two years, new station shelters equipped with seating, lighting and heating will be installed in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Washago. (Supplied)

The Ontario government is awarding three contracts to design and manufacture nine new station shelters, enhance rail safety and complete warning system upgrades.

In the next two years, new station shelters equipped with seating, lighting and heating will be installed in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Washago.

“People and businesses in northern and central Ontario deserve the same access to safe and reliable transportation as the rest of the province,” Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Transportation, said in a news release Friday.

“Reinstating the Northlander will not only support our northern industries and resource sectors, but it will also pave the way for a more integrated transportation network that connects communities from the north to the south.”

The contracts mark a significant milestone in reinstating train service between Timmins and Toronto, providing a safe and reliable transportation option for northern and central communities and unlocking Ontario’s full economic potential.

“This investment marks further progress on the reinstatement of the Northlander train service,” Northland CEO Chad Evans said in the release.

“The shelters will be safe, comfortable and accessible, providing a consistent, modern passenger experience for customers boarding and exiting the train all along the route. We are excited to see this work progress during this construction season and next.”

Track improvements

Construction of station platforms, parking areas and pathways will begin this summer, along with track improvements to enhance rail safety, reduce derailment risks and decrease train maintenance.

Enseicom Inc. has been awarded the contract to design and manufacture nine new station shelters.

Remcan Ltd. has been awarded the contract for track improvements to enhance rail safety, decrease maintenance and reduce derailment risks.

X-Rail has been awarded the contract to complete warning system upgrades along the Northlander corridor north of North Bay.

Once reinstated, the Northlander passenger rail service will operate four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands.