On Sunday, the province announced it 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 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.

Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation says “Restoring Northeastern passenger rail service is critical to building the regional economy and making life easier for people living in 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 government says the rail service will provide passengers with access to reliable overnight travel options while commuting between Northern Ontario and Toronto.