Northlander Shelter Design and Contract Award Announcement
Ontario Northland hosted Vijay Thanigasalam, former Associate Minister of Transportation, Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound—Muskoka, and Deputy Mayor of Bracebridge Brenda Rhodes to announce a significant milestone toward returning the Northlander passenger rail to service.
Ontario Northland has awarded three contracts to design and manufacture nine new shelters, enhance rail safety and complete warning system upgrades along the Northlander route.
Ontario Northland will install new shelters equipped with seating, lighting and heating in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Washago. These shelters will provide a consistent, modern passenger experience for travellers boarding and exiting the train along the route.
Construction of station platforms, parking areas and pathways will begin this summer, in addition to crucial track improvements along the Ontario Northland rail network north of North Bay. These upgrades will enhance rail safety, mitigate risks and decrease train maintenance. Once reinstated, the Northlander passenger rail service will operate four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands.
“This investment marks further progress toward reinstating the Northlander passenger rail service,” said Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland. “These shelters will be safe, comfortable, accessible and enhance the overall travel experience. We are excited to progress work on the Northlander during this construction season and next.”
