The CEO of Ontario Northland gave an update on the company's progress on the Northlander's return to service on Tuesday afternoon at FONOM's 2025 Northeastern Municipal Conference held at the Best Western in North Bay.
"Get ready for the new era of the Northlander," Chad Evans said in a ballroom filled with hundreds of delegates.
See related: All aboard the Northlander in 2026
The slogan was splashed all over the Ontario Northland audio-visual materials for the Northlander. The half-hour presentation provided some more details of the long and winding path of the re-establishment of the passenger train, and, according to Evans and Alan Spacek, chair of the Ontario Northland board of directors, the last stop is in sight.
Besides debuting promotional videos on the Northlander that Evans promised will soon be widely seen on its social media channels, Ontario Northland shared renderings of the train sets, new shelters, and planned stations. The Northlander will provide southbound service leaving from Timmins and northbound service leaving from Toronto, four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands. There will be 16 stops in both directions.
"The focus is on delivering the new era of the Northlander service," said Evans. "What's new? Almost everything's new. First and foremost, the train sets themselves."
In December 2022, Ontario announced the purchase of three new train sets. Siemens Mobility Limited is building the Northlander's new rail cars to meet the latest emission standards, making them among the most environmentally friendly diesel locomotives on the market.
The three new train sets purchased by Ontario Northland for $139.5 million are being built at the Siemens manufacturing complex in Sacramento, Calif. Ontario Northland promises modern amenities, including wider, more accessible cars; wider seats; fully accessible washrooms; and power outlets and Wi-Fi at every seat. The new trains will have engines on both the front and the back and be designed with accessibility in mind for all riders.
In 2023, the new trains were put through their paces to ensure they would perform well even in Ontario’s northernmost territories, where weather conditions are more demanding. The trains passed the test periods, and the project continues to advance through the necessary phases.
Evans also shared the questions about the Northlander's return, which he said he hears most frequently from members of the public:
Is this really happening?
"It's happening," Evans assured the crowd. On a recent visit to California to see the three purchased Northlander train sets, Evans said Ontario Northland staff "stood in them, touched them, and photographed them."
The trains will feature built-in wheelchair lifts, mobility aid storage spaces, and fully accessible washrooms, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli has shared. "So think about it. Being in a wheelchair, and thinking about taking the bus. Some of these are very limited. This is now going to bring full mobility to people."
How much will a fare cost?
Ontario Northland had not yet released a firm price for passengers, and that did not change on Tuesday. Evans did say the price point for the Northlander would be similar to its motor coach service.
"We're working to come up with an affordable, practical ticketing scheme ... I don't have a ticket price for you today ... but the answer is we know affordable travel is a priority. We know a sustainable passenger train service is a priority, and we're going to work with that."
Evans went on to say there will be similarities to the current motor coach ticket pricing model with a mix of firm and flex pricing and some dynamic pricing. "In other words, the more in advance you buy a ticket, the cheaper it costs." The train service will have economy and business class options.
What's next? When will the Northlander debut?
Work continues on top priorities for the return of the Northlander, including operational readiness and safety improvements. The three train sets are expected to be delivered in early 2026.
"What we have to do when we receive those train sets," Evans explained, "is a series of testing and commissioning procedures required by the manufacturer, Transport Canada and our own safety management system. So, that will take time, and we will proceed once we're satisfied that we have a safe operation.
"What this means to you, in those northern Ontario communities, is you're going to see the train operating for a number of weeks or months while it's in the testing and commissioning phase," before the launch.
In May 2024, the Government of Ontario awarded three contracts to design and manufacture nine new Northlander station shelters, enhance rail safety, and complete warning system upgrades.
See: $75M for new shelters and rail safety projects for Northlander announced
The construction contract covers platform reconstruction at stops in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, and Cochrane. In each location, crews will install raised concrete platforms with improved accessibility, lighting, and signage.
The contract also includes the installation of pre-manufactured shelters at stops in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, and Temagami. The government will award a separate contract for the construction of a new Timmins-Porcupine station.
"The Northlander will not only bring safe and reliable transportation back to communities ranging from Muskoka to North Bay to Timmins,” said Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria. “It will also help unlock the province’s full economic potential by supporting northern industries and resource sectors and improving access to good-paying jobs and essential services like health care and education.”
See also: Contract awarded for return of Northlander
EllisDon was awarded the contract to begin construction at passenger stops north of North Bay.
“The construction now taking place will ensure the Northlander stops are safe, reliable, and welcoming for all passengers,” said Evans at the announcement. “We are excited to see this work being delivered and to showcase the exterior design of the train set. These are critical milestones as we prepare for the new era of the Northlander.”
— With files from Jeff Turl and David Briggs
