‘The Northlander is an integral part of our government’s plan to equip northern communities, like Nipissing, with the safe, convenient and reliable transportation they deserve’
The return of the Northlander to northern Ontario is one step closer to becoming a reality.
The Ontario government held a press conference in Etobicoke, emphasizing its commitment to bringing back the Northlander with the arrival of the first of three new Northlander trainsets in the province.
The Northlander will span 740 kilometres with 16 stops between Timmins and Toronto, with a connection to Cochrane, and is part of the government’s work to protect Ontario’s economy by connecting northern communities, creating good-paying jobs, supporting local industries and driving economic growth across the north.
“Today is a great day for the people of northern Ontario as we move another step closer to bringing the Northlander back into service, so families and workers can travel conveniently from Union Station all the way to Timmins and Cochrane,” said Premier Doug Ford.
“Our government will continue to invest in the largest public transit expansion in Canadian history as part of our plan to create jobs, tackle gridlock and protect workers and businesses.”
The trainset is currently undergoing testing and commissioning work in Toronto before moving north, where Ontario Northland will begin testing the train along the Northlander corridor to ensure all systems function correctly and meet safety, performance and operating requirements.
The Northlander is expected to return to service in the spring of 2026.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is delivering on its promise to bring back the Northlander,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
“The Northlander is a key part of our $100 billion plan to build transit and highways so we can protect Ontario and connect families to good jobs, housing and the services they rely on.”
In 2025, the province began construction of the Timmins-Porcupine Station, awarded the contract to reconstruct platforms and install shelters along the Northlander corridor, and completed the North Bay Rail Bypass, which will reduce travel times by 15 minutes. Once complete, the Northlander will offer rail service from Toronto to Timmins, with a connection to Cochrane.
Vic Fedeli, Nipissing MP, believes service will strengthen northern industries and the resource sector while improving access to good-paying jobs and essential services, including health care and education.
“The Northlander is an integral part of our government’s plan to equip northern communities, like Nipissing, with the safe, convenient and reliable transportation they deserve. The arrival of the first new trainset marks a significant and exciting milestone in this restoration process and will play a key role in ensuring northern Ontario’s economy can be positioned for growth, resilience and prosperity for generations to come,” he said.
See related: Northlander revival gains steam as Ontario releases proposed train times
Crediting Vic
Premier Doug Ford also took the time to recognize Fedeli for his years of effort trying to bring the Northlander back on the rails in northern Ontario.
“He was the one who really pushed this like a ‘dog on a bone’ all the way through,” said Ford.
“Back in the previous government, they ignored the north. They didn’t give two hoots about the north. We care about the people in the north.”
Fedeli echoed Ford’s statements and admitted to feeling emotional about the announcement today.
“The Northlander passenger rail was part of everyday life in our communities throughout the north. And in 2012, when this service was callously cancelled by the previous government, a critical transportation link was lost,” he said.
“With the leadership of Premier Ford, the hard work of Minister Sarkaria and his team, the great men and women at Ontario Northland, we are now proud to restore safe, reliable, and affordable passenger rail for the great people that call the north home.”
FONOM Reacts
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) was one of the first to react to today’s news.
“FONOM extends its sincere thanks to the Government of Ontario, Doug Ford, and PrabmeetSingh Sarkaria for their leadership and commitment to restoring passenger rail service in Northern Ontario,” says a release.
“The arrival of the first Northlander trainset is an important milestone for Northern Ontario and a clear example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration,” said Dave Plourde, President of FONOM.
“This project reflects years of advocacy by northern municipalities and meaningful partnership with Ontario Northland and the Province, all working toward a shared goal of reconnecting our communities.
“For our municipalities, the Northlander is about connection—connecting residents to jobs, health care, education, and economic opportunities—while also providing a safer, more reliable alternative to long-distance highway travel, especially during northern winters,” Plourde added.
“On behalf of FONOM’s 110 member municipalities, we thank the Ford government for its continued investment in infrastructure that recognizes the unique needs of northern Ontario.”
