Ontario Acquires Rail Corridor to Advance Return of Northlander Passenger Service

The purchase, finalized in late February, represents a $138 million provincial investment aimed at improving reliability and on-time performance while strengthening economic connections across Northern Ontario.

“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, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “This investment will prioritize passenger service by supporting fast, reliable service along the line.”

Securing a Dedicated Rail Corridor

The newly acquired railway section is part of the Newmarket Subdivision, a critical segment of the future Northlander route.

By securing ownership of the corridor, Ontario will have greater control over rail operations along the line. Passenger service will be prioritized while freight trains will continue to operate on the route, with freight revenues returning to the provincial Crown agency Ontario Northland.

Officials say the acquisition will also streamline freight operations in North Bay, where freight trains previously had to be disassembled, transferred onto Canadian National (CN) track and reassembled before continuing south.

The newly secured rail corridor accounts for more than 25 per cent of the overall Northlander route.

NEW: Our government has invested $138 million to acquire more than 200 km of railway track between North Bay and Washago.

Today’s announcement marks another major milestone in our government’s commitment to bring back Northlander passenger rail service and deliver reliable… pic.twitter.com/oTiQa9V0gf

— Victor Fedeli (@VictorFedeli) March 13, 2026

Long-Awaited Return of Passenger Rail

The Northlander passenger train is expected to travel 740 kilometres between Timmins and Toronto, with an additional connection to Cochrane, serving 16 stops across Northern Ontario.

The project has been a long-standing priority for many northern communities since the passenger service was discontinued in 2012.

Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, said the acquisition represents another important step toward restoring the service.

“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,” Fedeli said.

Infrastructure Investments Continue

The track purchase builds on several other investments supporting the return of the Northlander, including:

• More than $100 million in rail infrastructure upgrades north of North Bay

• Completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass

• The arrival of the first Northlander trainset

Provincial officials say these improvements will help ensure reliable passenger service once the train returns to operation.

Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland, said securing the rail corridor will improve passenger service reliability.

“The acquisition of the Newmarket Subdivision between North Bay and Washago will support on-time performance and a more dependable travel experience for passengers,” Evans said.

Economic Impact for Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario remains a significant contributor to the provincial economy, with more than 65,000 businesses generating over $55.5 billion in GDP in 2024.

Industry and municipal leaders say restoring the Northlander will strengthen transportation links that support regional growth.

Peter Chirico, Mayor of North Bay, said the project will reinforce the city’s role as a transportation hub in Northern Ontario.

“The return of the Northlander and this rail acquisition will deliver faster, more reliable service, strengthen our city’s role as a transportation hub, and make travel easier and safer for residents, businesses, and visitors across the region,” Chirico said.

Provincial officials say improved transportation infrastructure will help connect workers, businesses and communities across Northern Ontario while supporting economic development.

A Key Step Toward Service Restoration

The acquisition of the North Bay–Washago corridor represents one of the most significant steps toward restoring passenger rail service along the Northlander route.

Once operational, the line is expected to provide a new travel option for residents across Northeastern Ontario while supporting tourism, business travel and freight movement.

Provincial officials say the project remains a key component of Ontario’s broader transportation strategy, which includes a $70-billion transit expansion program across the province.

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