Ontario Celebrates Arrival of First Northlander Train
January 8, 2026NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is marking a major milestone in its commitment to bring back the Northlander with the arrival of the first of three new Northlander trainsets in Ontario. The Northlander will span 740 kilometres with 16 stops between Timmins and Toronto, with a connection to Cochrane, and is part of the government’s work to protect Ontario’s economy by connecting northern communities, creating good-paying jobs, supporting local industries, and driving economic growth across the north.
“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,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “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.”
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 in 2026.
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.
Quick Facts
- Northern Ontario is an economic engine, home to more than 65,000 local businesses and contributing over $55.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2024.
- Ontario has purchased three new Northlander trainsets from Siemens. Each trainset consists of one locomotive and three passenger cars.
- Northlander rail cars were designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Each trainset has 169 seats, including accessible seating, wide aisles, accessible washrooms, charging ports, Wi-Fi and LED lighting.
- The Northlander will enhance Ontario’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North.
Additional Information
- Ontario Completes Construction of New Track for Northlander Passenger Rail Service
- Construction Underway on Northlander’s Timmins-Porcupine Station
- Ontario Awards Contract for Return of Northlander Passenger Rail Service
- The Northlander