TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced it has awarded three contracts to design and manufacture nine new station shelters, upgrade rails and complete warning system upgrades as it restores passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto.
Over the next two years, new station shelters equipped with seating, lighting and heating will be installed in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Washago, stated a recent release.
Enseicom Inc. has been awarded the contract to design and manufacture the new station shelters; Remcan Ltd. has been awarded a contract for track improvements; and X-Rail has been awarded the contract to complete warning system upgrades along the Northlander corridor north of North Bay.
Construction of station platforms, parking areas and pathways will begin this summer, along with track improvements. Once reinstated, the Northlander passenger rail service will operate four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel.
“This investment marks further progress on the reinstatement of the Northlander train service,” said Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans in a statement. “The shelters will be safe, comfortable and accessible, providing a consistent, modern passenger experience for customers boarding and exiting the train all along the route.”
In December 2022, Ontario announced the purchase of three new trainsets as part of its plan to reinstate the Northlander.