North Bay, Ont. — The Ontario government has completed construction of the North Bay Rail Bypass, a 982-metre section of track designed to shorten travel times and improve safety for the long-awaited Northlander passenger rail service.
The bypass, which links the CN Newmarket subdivision with Ontario Northland’s Temagami Subdivision, will trim approximately 15 minutes from the journey to North Bay Station. Officials say the project represents a major step toward restoring the passenger rail line between Toronto and Timmins, with a connection to Cochrane.
“With record investments in infrastructure, including the Northlander, our government is getting it done for the people of Ontario by helping to keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “People and businesses across the north have long awaited the return of the Northlander and that is why we are delivering on our promise to restore this vital transportation network that will propel northern economic growth.”
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency
The North Bay Rail Bypass was designed to keep passenger trains out of the busy North Bay Rail Yard, which is shared by CN, Ottawa Valley Railway, and Ontario Northland freight operations. By avoiding congestion in the yard, the new track will reduce delays, improve operational efficiency, and increase passenger safety.
“The completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass marks an important milestone in our government’s revitalization and restoration of the Northlander, and delivers on a promise to connect Nipissing families, workers, and industries with economic opportunities across the province,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “We look forward to seeing the Northlander back in action, delivering the efficient, convenient, and affordable transportation that northern Ontario residents deserve.”
Economic and Community Impact
The Northlander’s return is expected to boost tourism and support northern industries, particularly in the resource sector. It will also improve access to health care, education, and employment opportunities for residents across the region. The line will make 16 stops between Toronto and Timmins, with a rail connection extending service to Cochrane.
Local leaders underscored the economic importance of the investment.
“The completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass contributes an important feature to the new era of the Northlander passenger rail service,” said Chad Evans, CEO of Ontario Northland. “This new section of track will enhance safety, improve passenger comfort, and reduce travel time. It marks an important milestone and the continued momentum propelling the Northlander program closer to in-service.”
North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico called the bypass a “transformative moment” for the city and the region. “This vital infrastructure investment will not only improve travel times and safety, but also strengthen our local economy by supporting tourism, job creation, and northern industries,” he said. “We are proud to be part of the journey to bring back the Northlander, a service that will reconnect communities and expand access to essential services across northern Ontario. On behalf of the residents of North Bay, I want to thank the Ontario government for their continued commitment to northern growth and for getting it done for the north.”
Broader Northlander Program
The bypass is part of a series of investments aimed at returning passenger rail to northern Ontario. In total, the province has awarded contracts for new stations, platforms, and shelters along the Northlander corridor:
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$5.7 million investment for the North Bay Rail Bypass.
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July 2025: Contract awarded to build Timmins–Porcupine Station, which will serve both the Northlander and Ontario Northland’s motor coach and parcel services.
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June 2025: EllisDon contracted to reconstruct platforms and install pre-manufactured shelters at stops from South River to Washago.
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December 2024: Work announced to upgrade platforms and shelters between North Bay and Cochrane.
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May 2024: Three contracts awarded to design and manufacture nine station shelters, enhance rail safety, and upgrade warning systems.
The cumulative work reflects the government’s plan to restore northern rail as part of broader infrastructure investments intended to stimulate economic growth.
Looking Ahead
Once operational, the Northlander will provide a direct link between Toronto and northern communities, a service residents have been without since 2012 when passenger operations were discontinued. Officials maintain that the new bypass is not only a physical improvement but also a symbol of the government’s commitment to re-establishing reliable passenger rail service in the region.
As the province advances work on stations and rail infrastructure, the completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass signals that the long-promised Northlander is one step closer to welcoming passengers once again.
