Advocates for Passenger RailApril 10
Transport Action Ontario Public Presentation of "Tripping: Train 185" NEORN works cooperatively with like-minded non government organizations (NGOs) in Ontario to advance passenger rail. We have a very close relationship with Transport Action Ontario (TAO), a long-standing NGO covering public transportation across the entire province. Our two organizations work jointly on advocacy for northern Ontario, such as restoration of the Northlander train, and also assist each others with some administrative matters. In conjunction with its annual general meeting, TAO is hosting a public presentation of the recently released film "Tripping: Train 185", which features the Sudbury - White River VIA train. Further details, including how to register for the virtual showing, are given below. For more information on Transport Action Ontario, check out their website ontario.transportaction.ca Public Presentation of "Tripping: Train 185"
Saturday April 15th 2023 Transport Action Ontario invites all Transport Action members and supporters across Canada to join us for the public portion of our Annual General Meeting, featuring a showing of the recently released documentary film "Tripping: Train 185". Further details on the film are given below. The event is free and will be in hybrid format. individuals can attend in person or virtually using Zoom from your computer or phone. Here are the details: When: Saturday April 15th, 2023 - 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Eastern) Where: Medal Room, Royal Canadian Military Institute 426 University Ave, Toronto (near University Ave. and Dundas St. - see map) or Virtual: Zoom Online Conference Individuals intending to attend in person just need to show up, dress code is business casual. If you prefer to attend virtually you will need to register using the button below: Register Now for Virtual Attendance - FreeOnce you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to join the Zoom webinar online from your computer or smartphone, and phone numbers to dial in. You won’t need a camera to participate. Parts of the meeting will be recorded.Documentary "Tripping: Train 185" This one-hour film will have its World Premiere on TVO on April 7, one week before our showing. It is the fourth installment of the popular TRIPPING series. It invites you to hop aboard VIA Train 185 travelling from Sudbury to White River. Since its first trip way back in 1881, Train 185 has ferried both people and their goods along this storied route for over 140 years. Today, for many northern Ontario communities, this train is still their main connection to the outside world. Over the course of this immersive documentary, you'll witness the train being loaded with essentials such as food, canoes, and building equipment for the communities the rail line supports. You'll overhear conversations between train operators and passengers. Then, watch as the train stops in the middle of the wilderness to pick up campers and cottage owners. It's a mesmerizing journey that winds through Canadian Shield cut outs, follows pristine lakes, and passes forgotten towns. Like the first three films in the TRIPPING series, TRIPPING: Train185 showcases our vast province, connecting you to communities you may not otherwise experience, all from the comfort of your own chair. (TVO Original Documentary) Following the showing, the film's director or the production team will respond to questions and comments. Business Meeting Ontario members in good standing will also be receiving a separate invitation and registration link for the business portion of the Annual General Meeting, which will follow immediately after the public session. To join or renew your membership now, please click here. In conclusion, thank you for your continued support for Transport Action. We look forward to seeing you on April 15. Peter Miasek, President, Transport Action Ontario Feb 26
Ontario Northland Updates Sign in to receive updates: https://ontarionorthland.ca/en/northlander-passenger-rail-updates Feb 26
New Siemens Train Set Check out the Via website for more details on the new Siemens train set: https://corpo.viarail.ca/en/projects-infrastructure/train-fleet/fleet-replacement-program Jan 9
New VIA trainsets being tested now New VIA trainsets being tested now - this will shorten the time it takes to get our Northlander up and running as it is the same model as the VIA set. Ontario Northland was fortunate to be able to tag onto the end of their order. See attachment "Star Jan 2023" for more information.
From promises to purchase order!
- Lucille Frith | Commentary - LINK to article in the Huntsville Doppler (1/11/23)
May 15, 2022
Ontario’s main parties are pledging to restore Northlander train service. Voters are worried they may be taken for a ride — again Even a decade later, feelings about the loss of the 110-year-old rail link are still raw. By Kristin Rushowy Queen's Park Bureau Sun., May 15, 2022 NORTH BAY — Northerners hope they aren’t being taken for a ride. All four major parties are promising that the Northlander trains — axed in 2012 by the then-Liberal government looking to cut costs — will get back on track if they are elected. Read full article:
April 10, 2022
PROMISES, PROMISES, PROMISES! Four years ago, soon to be Premier Ford and Minister Vic Fedeli promised to return the Northlander passenger train before the end of their mandate. Well, here we are – the election is June 2 – and no passenger train! Not even a purchase order for one! But there is a provincial budget looming . . . . . . With Corina Moore, President and CEO of Ontario Northland, working with Metrolinx, they have processed through a variety of milestones, to now be at the stage where there is just one more step to make passenger rail service a reality. According to Corina Moore’s update on March 10 as reported in the media, “Ontario Northland and Metrolinx are working on an updated business case which we’ve completed and delivered to the Ministry of Transportation” with the Timmins Daily Press headline reading “ONTC counting on inclusion of passenger train in spring budget”. That’s where Minister Mulroney comes in – put the money in the budget and a purchase order can be issued! And that’s it! If the commitment to purchase the equipment is not in this budget, northern Ontario will not have passenger rail service as suggested by Minister Mulroney by mid-2020’s. Reality is it takes 3-4 years to build a train set – engine, passenger cars – rolling stock. It’s not like acquiring materials (gravel and asphalt) to build a bridge or road. We have the (RAIL) road and now we need the vehicles to carry passengers from Toronto to northern Ontario on the railroad. The highway for trains. This Ministry of Transportation is not just the Ministry of Roads and Highways but of TRANSPORTATION. Premier Ford Promised! Minister Fedeli Promised! Minister Mulroney must have funds in the spring budget to acquire the equipment needed to provide passenger train service to northern Ontario. Otherwise, the “mid 2020’s” delivery promise won’t be kept. AND the Promise of 2018 will not be kept! Voters believe in election promises – or should they? Lucille Frith, Co-Chair Northeastern Ontario Rail Network (NEORN) April 10, 2022
Return of Northlander train service could include new connection to Cochrane, Ont. Stop will link Polar Bear Express passengers from Moosonee, First Nations communities on James Bay coast Sam Juric, CBC News Sudbury Full Story here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/sudbury-northlander-investment-announcement-1.6415144 April 10, 2022
Premier's Office - NEWS RELEASE Bringing Passenger Rail Back to Northeastern Ontario Reinstating service between Timmins and Toronto will make travel more convenient and spur economic growth TIMMINS – The Ontario government is investing $75 million to bring passenger rail service back to Northeastern Ontario, restoring a key transportation option that was previously cancelled in 2012. Service will be reinstated between Timmins and Toronto, helping to connect Northern Ontario as the government invests in unlocking the full economic potential of northern industries, resources and minerals. “The previous government chose to cancel this rail service, cutting people and economies in Northeastern Ontario off from the rest of the province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “At a time when our government is building up home-grown supply chains that connect resources, industries and workers in the north with the future of clean steel, electric vehicles and batteries, we’re restoring this vital transportation link. We’re getting it done and bringing passenger rail back to Northeastern Ontario.” The province released an updated initial business case that outlines options for passenger rail service from Toronto to Timmins. Future feasibility work on a preferred route will include a new rail connection to Cochrane, expanding the reach of this critical rail transit to 5,300 more people and providing a connection to Polar Bear Express service to Moosonee. “Restoring Northeastern passenger rail service is critical to building the regional economy and making life easier for people living in the North,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is delivering for Northern Ontario through historic investments in rail service, roads, highways and bridges so that people living in these communities have a transportation network that works for them.” “The return of passenger rail to Timmins is imperative to our region’s growth and prosperity. As a regional hub and with Porcupine as the future terminus location, we will most certainly see positive impact on our tourism and industry sectors,” said George Pirie, Mayor of Timmins. “This investment solidifies the government’s belief in our city. Residents will have another viable travel option to Toronto and points south. This is imperative for access to medical appointments and travel. It will improve our quality of life and the well-being of the community by strengthening access to and from Timmins and the north.” With a potential in-service date in the mid-2020s, passenger rail service will be offered based on seasonal travel demands and will range from four to seven days a week. The rail service will provide passengers with access to reliable overnight travel options while commuting between Northern Ontario and Toronto. Quick Facts
Quotes "We’re thrilled to be bringing passenger rail back to the North. Passenger rail supports families, tourism, manufacturing jobs, innovation, and economic growth, and keeps the people of Ontario connected. As the long-time voice for this vital service, it's an absolute pleasure be part of a government that is bringing passenger rail back to Northern Ontario, once and for all" - Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and MPP for Nipissing "Bringing passenger rail to communities in Parry Sound - Muskoka will improve the quality of life for our residents by making travel easier and safer and will provide a reliable mode of transport for tourists, which is vital for our hospitality industry. This investment and release of the Updated Initial Business Case is an important step forward in connecting Parry Sound - Muskoka to its surrounding communities and supporting economic growth in the Northeast." - Norman Miller MPP for Parry Sound – Muskoka "Our government made a promise to connect communities across the North and that is exactly what we are doing. The previous Liberal government gave up on Northern Ontario, but our government is bringing back convenient transportation options for Northerners to improve health and economic outcomes." - Greg Rickford Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, and MPP for Kenora – Rainy River "I want to thank Premier Ford and Minister Mulroney on taking this next important step to build a business case for the successful return of passenger rail to Northern Ontario. Passenger rail will benefit the residents of the north, enhance other modes of transportation and open tourism and business opportunities for our northern economy. Now we as municipal leaders must step up and support and encourage ridership for this valuable service." - Danny Whalen Councillor for the City of Temiskaming Shores and President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities "With the release of the UIBC, we have reached a very important milestone in our plan to reinstate passenger rail to Northeastern Ontario. An integrated transportation network that connects rail and bus services provides an exciting opportunity for the region to grow and improve. This service will fundamentally shift how people move between Northern Ontario and Toronto." - Corina Moore President and CEO of Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Additional Resources Media Contacts Dakota Brasier Minister’s Office Dakota.Brasier@ontario.ca Nicholas Rodrigues Communications Branch MTO.media@ontario.ca 416-327-1158 April 9, 2022
Public Presentation and Transport Action Ontario Annual General Meeting Public Presentation by Elizabeth May M.P. and TAO President’s Report Saturday April 23rd 2022, 1:00pm Eastern Invitation to the Public Transport Action invites you to join us for the public portion of our Ontario Annual General Meeting, featuring a guest presentation by Elizabeth May, M.P., followed by a brief President’s Report summarizing Transport Action Ontario’s advocacy efforts over the past year. The event will be virtual and free to join from your computer or phone. Here are the details: Public Presentation by Elizabeth May, M.P. 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm Eastern Ms. May will address and take questions on various aspects of public transportation in Canada, including:
Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to join the Zoom webinar online from your computer or smartphone, and phone numbers to dial in. You won’t need a camera to participate. Parts of the meeting will be recorded. Transport Action Ontario President’s Report 1:45 – 2:00 pm Eastern
Peter Miasek, President, will present a brief summary of TAO’s advocacy efforts across Ontario over the past year. This presentation is open to the public. Ontario members in good standing will also be receiving a separate invitation and registration link for the business portion of the Annual General Meeting, which will follow immediately after the public session. To join or renew your membership now, please click here. April 8, 2022
Ontario Supporting Manufacturing Jobs in North Bay Made-in-Ontario GO railcars advance GO Expansion and boost economic growth in the North Ministry of Transportation - NEWS RELEASE NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is providing $109 million to refurbish 56 GO Transit bi-level rail coaches at the Ontario Northland Remanufacturing and Repair Centre in North Bay. This investment is part of the government’s plan to expand service across the GO rail network and support economic development and job creation in the North. “Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we’re supporting good paying manufacturing jobs in Northern Ontario while improving service across the GO rail network,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is driving economic growth and prosperity in all corners of our province to ensure that Ontario remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.” The refurbishment of the bi-level coaches will begin at the end of May and support approximately 100 manufacturing jobs. The scope of work includes new seating and upgrades to washrooms, electrical components, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and door systems. “Today’s investment is an important advancement in our government’s plan to strengthen economic growth and opportunities in the North,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, and MPP for Nipissing. “We’re taking action to build a stronger, more resilient manufacturing sector in Northern Ontario that will support high-quality, good-paying jobs.” Last November, the province also announced an investment of $171 million to refurbish 94 GO Transit bi-level rail coaches at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay. Quick Facts
Quotes "Congratulations to the Ontario government on today’s announcement. This contract will support high-quality, good-paying jobs in North Bay and help to create the right conditions for economic growth in the North." - Al McDonald Mayor of North Bay "This contract will provide job stability for our employees while contributing to economic growth in Northern Ontario. Our continued partnership with Metrolinx, specifically for refurbishment projects, confirms our exceptional skillset and reputation for high-quality remanufacturing services right here in North Bay. We are proud of the impact of this contract to the region as it will create long-term jobs as well as drive business to over 30 local suppliers." - Corina Moore President and Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland "This vehicle refurbishment agreement is an important step in supporting the growth of our future rail capacity. We’re proud to make this progress, working with Ontario Northland and the communities of Northern Ontario." - Phil Verster President and Chief Executive Officer of Metrolinx Media Contacts Rebecca Bozzato Minister Fedeli’s Office rebecca.bozzato@ontario.ca Dakota Brasier Minister Mulroney’s Office Dakota.Brasier@ontario.ca Nicholas Rodrigues Ministry of Transportation Communications Branch MTO.media@ontario.ca April 8, 2022
Ontario Northland wins $109M contract PJ Wilson, North Bay Nugget Ontario Northland has signed a $109-million contract to refurbish 56 GO Transit bi-level rail coaches. Full Story here: https://www.nugget.ca/news/ontario-northland-wins-109m-contract June 19, 2021
Join us for an online meeting with special guest Corina Moore, CEO of Ontario Northland The Northeastern Ontario Rail Network and Transport Action Ontario welcome publication of the long-awaited Initial Business Case for restoring Northeastern Passenger Rail Service by MTO and Ontario Northland on May 25th, and we are encouraged that the Government of Ontario plans to move forward with the restoration of passenger rail service based on the clear social equity need for this service and whole-economy spin-off benefits for the north. To explain what this announcement means for the region, and what the next steps will be, Corina Moore, CEO of Ontario Northland, will be joining us for a live webinar on June 23rd. Ontario Northland:
Passenger Rail Vision Wednesday June 23rd, 11am If you don't have broadband Internet or can't access Zoom, you can also dial in by phone. Please register online to get the phone numbers and passcode.
June 17, 2021
Virtual Town Hall on Passenger Rail An online town hall to discuss Muskoka region passenger rail was held on Thursday June 17th, with Corina Moore, NEORN co-chair Lucille Frith, and MPP Norm Miller, hosted by Pamela Steel - Metroland media managing editor for Muskoka, Almaguin, Parry Sound and North Bay. Go to Article Watch on YouTube April 22, 2021
3 things to know about Gravenhurst council's passenger rail resolution Gravenhurst joins Huntsville, North Bay in supporting the Northlander's return By Sarah Law, Gravenhurst Banner Go to article April 19, 2021
'It just makes so much sense': Muskoka advocates confident in passenger rail's return Education, health care, tourism, environment, among benefits of rail: advocates By Sarah Law, Gravenhurst Banner Go to article March 24, 2021
SUPPORTING PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE IN THE NORTH IS IN THE 2021 ONTARIO BUDGET!! It took 8½ years of advocating for the return of the Northlander. Today the Northeastern Ontario Rail Network (NEORN) is excited to announce the Ontario government has committed to funding the next step to moving forward on the project with $5M and hopefully then to the final stage: putting 'bums in seats' on the train between Toronto and Timmins/Cochrane. Quoted from Page 106 Ontario Budget 2021: "Ontario is committed to reviewing initiatives to meet transportation needs in the North to optimize bus services and to develop options for passenger rail services across Northern Ontario. In keeping with the draft Transportation Plan for Northern Ontario, the government is accelerating work to examine safety and infrastructure needs for potential future passenger rail service between Toronto, North Bay, Timmins and Cochrane. Ontario is investing $5 million to support planning and design work. An initial business case is being finalized and is expected to be released in spring 2021." Our expectation is the next steps in the ONTC/Metrolinx Business Plan will be to confirm costs and service plans as well as to work with CN on a track audit of the CN line south of North Bay to Toronto and ensure the performance expectations will be met. It is critical for all parties to continue engaging with key stakeholders including municipalities, First Nations, Colleges and Universities as well as the general public. Howie and I thank all those invested in getting the Northlander back on the track for their ongoing and never wavering enthusiastic support over the last 8 ½ years. As Co-Chairs of the Northeastern Ontario Rail Network advocacy group, we were both holding our breath with this budget – hoping to hear about the return of passenger rail service to northeastern Ontario. And we did! Now we will continue to follow the MTO closely to ensure we continue to move forward at a good pace. Next, we look forward to the soon to be published ONTC/METROLINX Business Plan. Lucille Frith and Howie Wilcox, NEORN Co-Chairs February 25, 2021
SURVEY RESULTS FROM GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO Consultation: Transportation opportunities along the northeastern Ontario rail corridor From October 23 to November 20, 2020, more than 7,200 people, including 8.3% of respondents that self-identified as Indigenous, shared their feedback about transportation opportunities along the rail corridor between Toronto, North Bay, Timmins and Cochrane. View survey results: https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-transportation-opportunities-along-northeastern-ontario-rail-corridor January 31, 2021
NEORN BUDGET RELEASE "The Upcoming Ontario Budget: Where is the funding for the Northlander Passenger Train?"
MTO Draft Northern Transportation Plan Announced
December 11, 2020 The Ministry of Transportation announced their draft northern transportation plan December 11. The draft states they are "Continuing to move forward on (their) plan for passenger rail services including advancing track audit work along the northeastern rail corridor". This is a positive statement moving the plan forward. Let's hope that the business plan puts the passenger train back on the tracks before the end of the current government's term as they promised. This is a DRAFT plan - stay tuned for comments.
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THE LATEST
2020
Oct 23: Ontario Seeking Feedback on Improving Transportation in the Northeast - Survey Will Help Explore Transportation Needs and Opportunities - Link
April 7: Ontario Northland Transportation Commission has a new boss - Link
2019
Nov 13: Northeastern Ontario Rail Network update on return of passenger rail & Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat - Link
June 25: Passenger rail promise will be fulfilled, Fedeli vows: 'There is a tremendous amount of work to do, but we're getting there' - Link
June 19: City council supports idea of ministry change for the ONTC - Link
June 7: Ontario Northland union boss favours Metrolinx alliance - Link
June 6: ONTC 'fully committed' to rail passenger service - Link
Mar 1: Premier Ford Talk Muskoka Passenger Rail - Link
April 11: Train Budget story link- watch
Mar 1: Premier Ford talks Muskoka Passenger Rail - Link
Feb 28: Muskoka Pass Rail and an Election Promise - Link
Feb 21: Passenger Rail Service Could Return to Muskoka - Link
Feb 19: Will Promise be Kept? - Link
Feb 18: Will Ontario PC's make investment as promised? - Link
Feb 17: Letter to Ministers Yurek, Rickford & Fedeli - Link
Feb 17: Fedeli: Return of Passenger Trains Not Dead - Link
Feb 10: Restore Northlander, province urged - Link
Feb 6: Ontario Budget about to come out - make your say
2018
Nov 13: Northern Rail Plan Overdue - Link
Nov 13: Train Jumps Tracks - Link
Nov 12: Rail Advocates Want Gov't Involvement - Link
Oct 22: Ford's Northlander Train Waffling.... - Link
Oct 18: VIA Rail's Canadian: Death by a thousand CN blows? - Read
Oct 16: Premier pressed on Northern rail promise - Read
Oct 12: Media Release from NEORN - Read
Sept 15: Actions to move Northern Ontario forward Response to the Draft 2041 Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy - Read
July 28: Announcing Pilot Project to Attract Muskoka Cottagers
to travel via combined Go-Train and ONR bus services
Story#1 Story#2 Story#3 Video#1
June 2: Should ONR Take over HCR? - Read
June 1: PCs & NDPs Agree on Modern Rail Pass. Service - Read
May 31: Fast Track Return of Rail Service - Read
Apr 22: Passenger Rail Summit Very Successful - Read
Mar 22: Agriculture rail siding facility being studied
Mar 19: Summit Meeting on April 19 at Sault Ste, Marie - Read
Starting in March: Discovery's new original Canadian series “Rocky Mountain Railroad” will feature some northern Ontario stories - Two links: Read1 Read2
Feb 16: Who, What is Northern Ontario? - Read
Feb 4: It's Political Promises Season! - Read
Feb 3: NDP, PC would bring back Northlander - Read
2020
Oct 23: Ontario Seeking Feedback on Improving Transportation in the Northeast - Survey Will Help Explore Transportation Needs and Opportunities - Link
April 7: Ontario Northland Transportation Commission has a new boss - Link
2019
Nov 13: Northeastern Ontario Rail Network update on return of passenger rail & Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat - Link
June 25: Passenger rail promise will be fulfilled, Fedeli vows: 'There is a tremendous amount of work to do, but we're getting there' - Link
June 19: City council supports idea of ministry change for the ONTC - Link
June 7: Ontario Northland union boss favours Metrolinx alliance - Link
June 6: ONTC 'fully committed' to rail passenger service - Link
Mar 1: Premier Ford Talk Muskoka Passenger Rail - Link
April 11: Train Budget story link- watch
Mar 1: Premier Ford talks Muskoka Passenger Rail - Link
Feb 28: Muskoka Pass Rail and an Election Promise - Link
Feb 21: Passenger Rail Service Could Return to Muskoka - Link
Feb 19: Will Promise be Kept? - Link
Feb 18: Will Ontario PC's make investment as promised? - Link
Feb 17: Letter to Ministers Yurek, Rickford & Fedeli - Link
Feb 17: Fedeli: Return of Passenger Trains Not Dead - Link
Feb 10: Restore Northlander, province urged - Link
Feb 6: Ontario Budget about to come out - make your say
2018
Nov 13: Northern Rail Plan Overdue - Link
Nov 13: Train Jumps Tracks - Link
Nov 12: Rail Advocates Want Gov't Involvement - Link
Oct 22: Ford's Northlander Train Waffling.... - Link
Oct 18: VIA Rail's Canadian: Death by a thousand CN blows? - Read
Oct 16: Premier pressed on Northern rail promise - Read
Oct 12: Media Release from NEORN - Read
Sept 15: Actions to move Northern Ontario forward Response to the Draft 2041 Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy - Read
July 28: Announcing Pilot Project to Attract Muskoka Cottagers
to travel via combined Go-Train and ONR bus services
Story#1 Story#2 Story#3 Video#1
June 2: Should ONR Take over HCR? - Read
June 1: PCs & NDPs Agree on Modern Rail Pass. Service - Read
May 31: Fast Track Return of Rail Service - Read
Apr 22: Passenger Rail Summit Very Successful - Read
Mar 22: Agriculture rail siding facility being studied
Mar 19: Summit Meeting on April 19 at Sault Ste, Marie - Read
Starting in March: Discovery's new original Canadian series “Rocky Mountain Railroad” will feature some northern Ontario stories - Two links: Read1 Read2
Feb 16: Who, What is Northern Ontario? - Read
Feb 4: It's Political Promises Season! - Read
Feb 3: NDP, PC would bring back Northlander - Read