Ontario Completes Construction of New Track for Northlander Passenger Rail Service

September 15, 2025

September 15, 2025

The Ontario government has completed the North Bay Rail Bypass, marking a major milestone in the province’s plan to bring back Northlander passenger rail service to northern Ontario. The 982-metre track will improve travel times by 15 minutes to North Bay Station, giving passengers more time with their families and friends while supporting tourism, jobs and economic growth in northern Ontario.

“With record investments in infrastructure, including the Northlander, our government is getting it done for the people of Ontario by helping to keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “People and businesses across the north have long awaited the return of the Northlander and that is why we are delivering on our promise to restore this vital transportation network that will propel northern economic growth.”

The new track will ensure that Northlander passenger trains avoid the busy North Bay Rail Yard, improving safety and operational efficiency by keeping them clear of active freight operations between CN, Ottawa Valley Railway and Ontario Northland.

“The completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass marks an important milestone in our government’s revitalization and restoration of the Northlander, and delivers on a promise to connect Nipissing families, workers, and industries with economic opportunities across the province” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “We look forward to seeing the Northlander back in action, delivering the efficient, convenient, and affordable transportation that northern Ontario residents deserve.”

The Northlander will connect Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane, including a total of 16 stops along the way. It will support northern industries and the resource sector, improving access to good-paying jobs and essential services, including healthcare and education.

Quick Facts

The Ontario government invested $5.7 million to build the North Bay Rail Bypass, a 982-metre track that connects the CN Newmarket subdivision to the ONTC mainline track on the Temagami Subdivision.
In July 2025, the province announced a contract award to build Timmins-Porcupine Station, which will serve Northlander trains, as well as Ontario Northland’s motor coach and Bus Parcel Express services.
In June 2025, the province awarded a contract to EllisDon to reconstruct platforms and install pre-manufactured shelters at train stops along the Northlander corridor from South River to Washago.
In December 2024, the province announced a contract award to reconstruct platforms and install pre-manufactured shelters at train stops along the future Northlander corridor from North Bay to Cochrane.
In May 2024, the province announced three contract awards to design and manufacture nine new Northlander station shelters, enhance rail safety and complete warning system upgrades.

Quotes

“The completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass contributes an important feature to the new era of the Northlander passenger rail service. This new section of track will enhance safety, improve passenger comfort, and reduce travel time. It marks an important milestone and the continued momentum propelling the Northlander program closer to in-service. “

– Chad Evans
CEO of Ontario Northland

“The completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass marks a transformative moment for our city and the entire region. This vital infrastructure investment will not only improve travel times and safety, but also strengthen our local economy by supporting tourism, job creation, and northern industries. We are proud to be part of the journey to bring back the Northlander, a service that will reconnect communities and expand access to essential services across northern Ontario. On behalf of the residents of North Bay, I want to thank the Ontario government for their continued commitment to northern growth and for getting it done for the north. “

– Peter Chirico
Mayor of North Bay

Ontario Completes Construction of New Track for Northlander Passenger Rail Service

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