Ontario Investing Over $100 Million in Northlander Rail Infrastructure
January 30, 2026Province completing track upgrades that will support the return of passenger rail service later this year.
NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is nearing completion of more than $100 million worth of investments in rail infrastructure to support the return of Northlander passenger rail service to northeastern Ontario. Work is underway along the corridor, including joint elimination, curve adjustments and improvements at rail crossings, will deliver a smoother ride, enhance comfort and safety, and reduce travel times for passengers. The Northlander will span 740 kilometres between Toronto and Timmins, with a rail connection to Cochrane, for a total of 16 stops, 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 return of the Northlander marks an important milestone in our government’s plan to deliver new economic opportunities and safe transportation to northern Ontario families,” said Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing. “With work underway to enhance the rail corridor and modernize the North Bay Station, we are one step closer to restoring this Ontario staple and helping connect the people of this province.”
Additional work is happening along the corridor, which includes adding warning systems, updating signage at rail crossings and adding gates to existing crossings, will continue to enhance safety across the network.
The Ontario government has also awarded a contract for renovations at North Bay Station, which will serve the Northlander, as well as Ontario Northland’s motor coach and Bus Parcel Express services. Construction is underway to modernize the station with new digital screens, seating and service counters, as well as washroom and lighting enhancements to improve accessibility and comfort. Similar work is underway at the Cochrane and Englehart stations, with construction expected to be completed in the spring.
The Ontario government has recently marked several milestones to support the return of the Northlander, including completing construction of the North Bay Rail Bypass, getting shovels in the ground at Timmins-Porcupine Station, reconstructing platforms and installing shelters along the Northlander corridor and marking the arrival of the first of three Northlander trainsets.
Quick Facts
- North Bay, Cochrane and Englehart stations will offer connections to Ontario Northland’s Motor Coach and Bus Parcel Express services.
- Northern Ontario is home to more than 65,000 local businesses and contributed over $55.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2024.
- The Northlander will enhance Ontario’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North.
- Ontario is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America.
Additional Resources
- 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
- Ontario Awards Contracts to Advance Northeastern Passenger Rail
- The Northlander