NORTH BAY - With rumours of a possible spring election, signs promoting the government's effort to reinstate the Northlander have popped up along Highway 11. Local billboards have also been seen.
Both Premier Doug Ford and Economic Development Minister and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli went on social media this weekend to boast about the new road signs advertising the return of The Northlander train service between Timmins and Toronto.
“New rail cars are on order, stations are being rebuilt, and more news to come!” Fedeli teased on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.
"Sign of the Times! In 2012, the Liberal government, with the support of the NDP, removed the 100-year old Northlander passenger rail service from Ontario’s North.
"@fordnation is returning this important rail connection back to the North with 16 stops from Timmins to Toronto. New rail cars are on order, stations are being rebuilt, and more news to come! These signs along Highway 11 tell a real story."
Ford shared the post, adding, "We promised to bring back the Northlander and we’re getting it done for communities across Northern Ontario!"
This past June the government announced money for new shelters.
See: $75M for new shelters and rail safety projects for Northlander announced
Construction of station platforms, parking areas and pathways will begin this summer, promised the release, although it is unclear if any of that work has begun. An email asking ONTC where work has started was unanswered by publication time.
Once reinstated, the Northlander passenger rail service will operate four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands.
