The Ontario government marked a milestone Thursday in reviving train service in northern Ontario by unveiling the first of three new Northlander trainsets. The Northlander will span 740 kilometres with 16 stops between Timmins and Toronto, with a connection to Cochrane. “Today is a great day for the people of northern Ontario as we move another step closer to bringing the Northlander back into service, so families and workers can travel conveniently from Union Station all the way to Timmins and Cochrane,” Premier Doug Ford said in a news release. “Our government will continue to invest in the largest public transit expansion in Canadian history as part of our plan to create jobs, tackle gridlock and protect workers and businesses.” The trainset is currently undergoing testing and commissioning work in Toronto before moving north, where Ontario Northland will begin testing the train along the Northlander corridor to ensure all systems function correctly and meet safety, performance and operating requirements. The Northlander is expected to return to service this spring. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is delivering on its promise to bring back the Northlander,” Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, said in the release. “The Northlander is a key part of our $100 billion plan to build transit and highways so we can protect Ontario and connect families to good jobs, housing and the services they rely on.” Timmins-Porcupine Station In 2025, the province began construction of Timmins-Porcupine Station, awarded the contract to reconstruct platforms and install shelters along the Northlander corridor and completed the North Bay Rail Bypass, which will cut travel times by 15 minutes. Once complete, the Northlander will offer rail service from Toronto to Timmins, with a connection to Cochrane. Ontario purchased the three new Northlander trainsets from Siemens. Each trainset consists of one locomotive and three passenger cars. Each trainset has 169 seats, including accessible seating, wide aisles, accessible washrooms, charging ports, Wi-Fi and LED lighting. “The Northlander is an integral part of our government’s plan to equip northern communities, like Nipissing, with the safe, convenient and reliable transportation they deserve,” Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said in the release. “The arrival of the first new trainset marks a significant and exciting milestone in this restoration process and will play a key role in ensuring Northern Ontario’s economy can be positioned for growth, resilience and prosperity for generations to come.” One step closer “Thanks to our government, Timmins is one step closer to proudly being the final destination of the Northlander,” added Timmins MPP George Pirie. “More than a train service, the return of the Northlander is an investment in the future of the north and a catalyst for long-term economic growth in northern Ontario. By reconnecting our region with safe, reliable rail service, we’re creating new opportunities for tourism, business investment and good-paying jobs.” Rick Dumas, president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, said it was an important day for the north. “Restoring the Northlander strengthens regional connectivity, supports tourism and economic growth and ensures northern residents have safe, modern transportation options that link our communities to the rest of the province,” Dumas said in the release. “NOMA welcomes this progress and looks forward to seeing the full service delivered for the benefit of the north.” Dave Plourde, president of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, also welcomed the news. “This project reflects a shared commitment to reconnecting northern Ontario communities and providing a safe, reliable transportation alternative -- especially during northern winters when highway travel can be unpredictable,” Plourde said. “We appreciate the continued partnership that is helping move this long-anticipated service forward.”
