The Polar Bear Express will get back on track with a reduced train service starting Thursday, June 25.
The trail will run between Cochrane and Moosonee on Mondays and Thursdays, Ontario Northland announced Wednesday.
There will be no dining car service, so travelers are asked to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Ontario Northland reduced the Polar Bear Express passenger service in March before temporarily suspending it April 7. The freight service has continued.
There has been a mixed reaction about reinstating the service.
The Town of Moosonee said it supports the decision.
“Moosonee is committed to enabling residents to travel to meet the many needs that have been put on hold by COVID-19 and doing so in the safest manner possible with input from the experts in managing and treating COVID-19,” the Facebook statement reads.
“Moosonee is the transportation and service hub for the James Bay area - transportation into and out of the community is critical for a wide range of services and many of these services are in turn critical for neighboring communities. As an Ontario municipality, Moosonee also does not have the authority to isolate the community and limit the entrance and exit of people as Indigenous communities may choose to do.”
In a Facebook statement, Moose Cree First Nation Chief and Council said they don’t support the decision due to the “continued threat” of the pandemic to the community. Other reasons for opposition included a consistently high number of new cases every day across the province and the fact that Moose Factory has many residents with pre-existing health conditions.
“We know the suspension of the train service has been inconvenient for some, but we believe this action has been the primary reason there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Moose Factory or Moosonee,” the statement reads.
“We also believe that reinstating the train service on June 25, 2020, is premature as we strongly feel the health and safety of our community members should be the highest priority over all other interests.”
Capacity will be limited and tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 1-800-461-8558 or in person at the Moosonee, Cochrane or Timmins stations.
