• North Bay, Cochrane and Englehart stations will offer connections to Ontario Northland's Motor Coach and Bus Parcel Express services.
• Northern Ontario is home to more than 65,000 local businesses and contributed over $55.5 billion to Ontario's GDP in 2024.
• The Northlander will enhance Ontario's integrated transportation network and advance work on the province's Draft Transportation Plan for the North.
• Ontario is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America.

"The Province of Ontario's continued investment in rail infrastructure will have a measurable and lasting impact on our community. The Northlander's return translates to a better connection to specialized healthcare, increased worker mobility, numerous economic benefits by way of tourism, and much more."

- Nancy Alcock, Mayor of Huntsville

"Investment in rail infrastructure will drive Timmins' economic engine forward - market reach will be expanded and supply chains strengthened. With the return of rail service, Timmins will be positioned as a true multi-modal transportation hub, connecting northern Ontario to opportunity and long-term growth."

- Michelle Boileau, Mayor of Timmins

"North Bay looks forward to the return of the Northlander, which will help address long-standing transportation challenges and improve access to jobs, healthcare, and education for northern Ontario residents. Upgrades to the rail line and the modernization of the North Bay Station will strengthen the City's role as a transportation hub, supporting future growth, tourism, and regional connections."

- Peter Chirico, Mayor of North Bay

"Investments in passenger rail infrastructure play an important role in supporting northern Ontario communities, regional mobility, and economic activity. The Township of Black River-Matheson is pleased to see continued investment in the Northlander and looks forward to the long-term benefits this will bring to residents and businesses alike."

- Dave Dyment, Mayor of the Township of Black River-Matheson

"As Mayor of Stouffville, I am thrilled to see the province of Ontario's significant investment in the Northlander rail infrastructure. With a stop in nearby Gormley, this improved transit service will provide residents of Stouffville and surrounding areas with greater access to northern communities that were previously only reachable by car. This commitment to enhancing connectivity will benefit countless communities across Ontario, including ours, by offering safer, more comfortable travel options and supporting the growth and prosperity of our region."

- Iain Lovatt, Mayor of Stouffville

"The return of the Northlander is an important milestone for Bracebridge and communities across the region. Reliable passenger rail will strengthen connections between northern and southern Ontario, making it easier for residents, visitors and businesses to access jobs, education, healthcare and tourism opportunities. We appreciate the Province's significant investment in this service and the long-term vision it represents for sustainable transportation and economic growth in our community."

- Rick Maloney, Mayor of Bracebridge

"Englehart has been a proud railway town since 1906, when the Temiskaming & Northern Ontario Railway made the Town a key divisional point and sparked the growth of our community. The investment in rail infrastructure in support of the return of the Northlander continues that legacy -- honouring our past while driving new opportunity and connection for years to come."

- Doug Metson, Mayor of the Township of Englehart

"The Village of South River is excited about the Government of Ontario's investment in northern Ontario's infrastructure and economic vitality. The track improvements supporting the return of Ontario Northland's passenger rail service -- featuring a stop in South River -- represent a meaningful step toward reconnecting our communities, strengthening regional transportation, and creating new opportunities for residents, visitors, and businesses alike."

- Bill O'Hallarn, Deputy Mayor of South River

"The return of the Northlander is an exciting step for Cochrane and all of northern Ontario. Reconnecting our region to Toronto and linking the Polar Bear Express back to the Northlander restores essential access to the people and critical natural resources that will reshape Canada's new economy and national economic sovereignty. It also gives northerners, and those who will choose to make northern Ontario their new home, a modern, safe, environmentally responsible alternative to using our northern highways during severe weather."

- Peter Politis, Mayor of Cochrane

"The Province's investment in restoring rail service to the north is more than a transportation project; it's a promise to strengthen our communities, support local industry, and reconnect people across northern Ontario. This is a vital step forward for not only Kirkland Lake, but our region's future."

- Stacy Wight, Mayor of the Township of Kirkland Lake

"The return of the Northlander is an important step in reconnecting northern Ontario communities to each other and to the rest of the province. Investments in rail infrastructure strengthen access to health care, education, employment, and economic opportunity -- especially for communities that rely on reliable, affordable transportation options. As work moves forward, NOMA looks forward to continued collaboration with the Province to ensure transportation investments across northern Ontario are coordinated, resilient, and responsive to the needs of our communities and regional economies."

- Rick Durmas, President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association

"TRACCS Transit and Rail is delighted and encouraged to see the Government of Ontario's strong and continued support of passenger rail across this great Province. The Northlander is a game changer for our region connecting communities from the north to our cities and regions in the south. This will be an extremely important economic investment for our Province and country that will have a lasting impact for generations of Canadians to come. We look forward to enjoying the new trains, and having a more sustainable and resilient way to explore, work, and live in this beautiful and wonderful area!"

- Mark Salsberg, Chairperson, TRACCS Transit and Rail

"FONOM welcomes this significant investment in rail infrastructure and the continued progress toward the return of the Northlander. Reliable passenger rail is critical for northern communities, but these upgrades also strengthen freight reliability, support local industry, and improve the overall resilience of our transportation network. This is the kind of long-term infrastructure investment the north needs to stay connected, competitive, and safe."

- Dave Plourde, President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities

"Ontario Northland is pleased to share that rail infrastructure work supporting the Northlander service continues to progress. The enhancements to safety, comfort and overall travel time will directly benefit passengers using this service for years to come."

- Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland

"This government's ongoing support of the Northlander has been unwavering. Sustained investment in rail infrastructure is turning momentum into service by modernizing the corridor, improving accessibility and safety, and reconnecting northern communities with reliable passenger rail."

- Alan Spacek, Chair of the Board, Ontario Northland

Additional Resources