BRACEBRIDGE, Ontario — The Ontario government has awarded three contracts for projects related to its plan to restore passenger service between Toronto and Timmons, Ont., according to a recent announcement.
The contracts are for design and construction of nine new station shelters; track upgrades; and improved warning systems. Enseicom Inc. received the ctonract for the station shelters, to be constructed over the next two years at Mathewson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Washago. Construction of station platforms, parking areas, and pathways will begin this summer.
“This investment marks further progress on the reinstatement of the Northlander train service,” Chad Evans, Ontario Northland CEO, said in a May 31 press release. “The shelters will be safe, comfortable and accessible, providing a consistent, modern passenger experience for customers boarding and exiting the train all along the route. We are excited to see this work progress during this construction season and next.”
Remcan Ltd. received the contract for track work, while X-Rail received the contract for warning system upgrades north of North Bay.
The work is part of the process to restore the Northlander service discontinued in 2012. The government had previously announced an order for three Siemens trainsets for the service [see “Ontario government orders equipment …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 15, 2022].
