Ontario Invests C$138MM For Future Northlander Passenger Rail Service
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Ontario Northlander rendering.
Ontario Government
NORTH BAY, Ontario - The Ontario government announced the acquisition of 205 kilometers of rail between North Bay and Washago.
The C$138 million investment is a milestone in bringing back Northlander passenger rail service. The acquisition was completed back in February and secures a dedicated rail corridor, according to the Ontario government, thereby creating jobs and improving on-time performance and reliability. The 205 kilometers of rail acquired represents more than 25% of the corridor where the Northlander will operate.
Passenger service on the rail corridor will be prioritized, however this also supports freight traffic with “freight revenues directed back to the provincial Crown corporation Ontario Northland.” In North Bay, for example, freight operations will be “streamlined” as freight trains that were previously disassembled are transferred onto CN track and reassembled prior to traveling south. Along the corridor from North Bay to Washago, nearby communities will be connected with this investment in infrastructure.
Previously, the Ontario government marked other milestones in its support of the return of Northlander service. In September 2025, it competed constructing 982 meters of new track for the passenger service. In January 2026, the first Northlander Train arrived. Later that same month, it announced it was investing more than C$100 million in infrastructure upgrades.
“Today, we’re taking a pivotal step towards bringing back the Northlander and better connecting Northeastern Ontario families and workers to the opportunities and services they rely on,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “This investment will prioritize passenger service by supporting fast, reliable service along the line.”
Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans said of the acquisition, “Today marks a significant step forward as we prepare to usher in the new era of the Northlander service. The acquisition of the Newmarket Subdivision between North Bay and Washago will support on-time performance and a more dependable travel experience for passengers. Ontario Northland is proud to work with the province to deliver a transportation network that better serves people, businesses and communities across the region.”
