$138 million investment secures 205 kilometres of track between North Bay and Washago
The Ontario government has completed the acquisition of a key railway corridor in Northern Ontario, marking a major step toward restoring the long-awaited Northlander passenger rail service between Toronto and northeastern communities.
The province announced Friday it had secured 205 kilometres of track between North Bay and Washago through a $138 million investment finalized in late February. The purchase provides Ontario with a dedicated rail corridor intended to improve the reliability and speed of passenger services while also supporting freight operations across the region.
Provincial officials say the acquisition will play a crucial role in bringing back the Northlander, a passenger rail line that once connected northeastern Ontario communities with southern economic centres. The corridor will prioritize passenger travel while continuing to support freight traffic, with freight revenues returning to the provincial Crown corporation Ontario Northland.
“Today, we’re taking a pivotal step towards bringing back the Northlander and better connecting Northeastern Ontario families and workers to the opportunities and services they rely on,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “This investment will prioritize passenger service by supporting fast, reliable service along the line.”
Dedicated corridor expected to improve reliability
The newly acquired section represents more than a quarter of the rail corridor along which the Northlander will operate. Once the service is fully restored, the line is expected to run approximately 740 kilometres between Timmins and Toronto, with a rail connection to Cochrane and a total of 16 stops.
By securing ownership of the corridor, the province aims to reduce operational challenges that previously affected passenger service. Historically, passenger trains ran on tracks owned by other companies and frequently had to yield to freight traffic, making it difficult to maintain consistent schedules.
The new arrangement is expected to streamline rail operations, particularly in North Bay, where freight trains previously needed to be disassembled, transferred onto Canadian National (CN) tracks and reassembled before continuing south.
“The acquisition of a connected rail corridor between North Bay and Washago marks another important milestone in the long-awaited restoration of the Northlander passenger rail service,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “We look forward to seeing how this new era of connection and opportunity takes shape, delivering on our government’s plan to restore safe and reliable service to families across Ontario’s northern communities.”
Support from regional leaders and industry
Several provincial representatives and regional leaders welcomed the announcement, highlighting the potential economic benefits of improved transportation links across Northern Ontario.
“The acquisition of additional track between North Bay and Washago marks a significant milestone in our government’s plan to bring back the Northlander. This investment will make a real difference in the lives of Simcoe North residents travelling north and south by securing a dedicated rail corridor that is guaranteed to improve on-time performance and reliability.”
- Jill Dunlop
Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe North
“This acquisition represents a major advancement in our government’s pledge to restore passenger rail service to Timmins with the Northlander. Securing this corridor ensures more reliable, efficient service for passengers and supports the long-term goal for growth in Northern Ontario.”
- George Pirie
Member of Provincial Parliament for Timmins
“This investment to acquire track dedicated to passenger service shows our government’s commitment to having another way to travel across our province. The return of the Northlander has been highly anticipated in Parry Sound—Muskoka and today’s announcement brings us one step closer. I’m grateful to see the focus on finalizing this project and can’t wait to see the Northlander on the rails again.”
- Graydon Smith
Member of Provincial Parliament for Parry Sound—Muskoka
Regional transportation officials also said the acquisition will help improve service reliability and strengthen the broader transportation network.
“Today marks a significant step forward as we prepare to usher in the new era of the Northlander service. The acquisition of the Newmarket Subdivision between North Bay and Washago will support on-time performance and a more dependable travel experience for passengers. Ontario Northland is proud to work with the province to deliver a transportation network that better serves people, businesses and communities across the region.”
- Chad Evans
Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland
“This historic investment has been made possible thanks to Premier Ford and his government. The Northlander service will mark a new era of connection and opportunity for Northern Ontario that will continue to benefit families, businesses and tourists for years to come.”
- Alan Spacek
Chair of the Board, Ontario Northland
Economic and regional development potential
Business organizations and municipal leaders also emphasized the broader economic importance of improved transportation infrastructure across Northern Ontario.
“Transportation links are essential to Ontario’s competitiveness, and to ensure all regions participate in our prosperity. Restoring the Northlander will reconnect northern communities, improve mobility for businesses and workers, and support Northern Ontario’s economic growth.”
- Daniel Tisch
President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
“This investment is an important step forward for Northern Ontario and the long-term restoration of reliable passenger rail service. Strengthening transportation links across the north helps to connect communities, workers and businesses to opportunity. It also sets the stage for stronger connectivity across Northwestern Ontario, helping unlock the region’s economic potential and reinforce Northern Ontario’s role as a key economic engine for the province and country.”
- Rick Dumas
President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association
“For many years, the Northlander operated on rail lines owned by others, which meant passenger service often had to give way to freight traffic. That made schedules difficult to maintain and reduced reliability for people depending on the train to travel north or south. By securing this corridor, the province is helping ensure that passenger service can be planned and delivered with greater dependability. For Northern Ontario residents, businesses, and visitors, that reliability will make a real difference.”
- Dave Plourde
President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities
“TRACCS Transit and Rail applauds the Ontario government’s $138 million investment and the acquisition of the Newmarket Subdivision. This critical step secures a dedicated rail corridor that is pivotal to ensuring faster, more reliable passenger service, and connecting our northern communities to fuel greater economic opportunity across the entire region.”
- Mark Salsberg
Chairperson, TRACCS Transit and Rail
Rail operator CN also confirmed its cooperation in transferring ownership of the corridor.
“CN was pleased to work with the Government of Ontario and Ontario Northland on this agreement to transfer ownership of this section of the Newmarket Rail Subdivision. By securing its own corridor for passenger operations, the province is taking an important step toward restoring the Northlander and strengthening transportation connections across Northern Ontario. CN remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to support reliable passenger service while continuing to deliver safe, efficient freight transportation for our customers.”
Major transit expansion underway
The rail purchase forms part of Ontario’s broader transportation investment strategy. The province says it has already invested more than $100 million in rail infrastructure north of North Bay to support the return of the Northlander.
More broadly, Ontario is investing $70 billion in what it describes as the largest transit expansion program in North America.
Officials say the renewed rail connection will help strengthen transportation links across Northern Ontario, home to more than 65,000 businesses that contributed over $55.5 billion to the province’s GDP in 2024.