TIMMINS, Ontario — The Government of Ontario has released the exterior design for the new Northlander passenger trains being built by Siemens Mobility, and awarded a contract for construction of new platforms and installation of shelters at stops along the train’s route.
Provincial Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria unveiled the design and announced the contracts today (Dec. 6) during a visit to Timmins, the northern terminus of the planned service to and from Toronto.
The three four-car trainsets were ordered by the province two years ago [see “Ontario government orders equipment …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 15, 2022]. They will wear a paint scheme at least somewhat reminiscent of the blue-and-yellow design worn by the former Trans-Europe Express equipment purchased from Swiss and Dutch operators in 1977. That equipment — with F-unit diesels eventually replacing the original European power cars — operated on the Ontario Northland service until 1992; the train then ran with more conventional rolling stock until its cancellation in 2012.
The new equipment is expected to be delivered in 2026. No date has yet been set for the return of the Northlander.
Ontario construction firm EllisDon has been awarded the contract to build new platforms in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Engelhart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, and Cochrane, Ont., and to install pre-manufactured shelters at Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, and Temagami. The province had previously awarded contract for design and construction of the shelters [see “Ontario awards three contracts …,” News Wire, June 4, 2024]. Still to come is a contract to build a new Timmons-Porcupine station.
“The construction now taking place will ensure the Northlander stops are safe, reliable and welcoming for all passengers,” Chad Evans, Ontario Northland CEO, said in a press release. “We are excited to see this work being delivered and to showcase the exterior design of the trainset. These are critical milestones as we prepare for the new era of the Northlander.”
Hopeful they have better seats than Amtrak has.
The Government of Ontario and Ontario Northland made an excellent choice in selecting Siemens Mobility to build their fleet of passenger trains. If the ‘Northlander’ proves popular, there may come a need to expand each of the three 4-car trainsets.
During WWII, the Ottawa Government renamed Swastika “Winston” but the townspeoplr took that sign down. replaced it with Swastika and a new sign: “To hell with Hitler, we came up with our name first”
To clarify, the Northland was the night train from Toronto with a sleeping car, and the Northlander was the ex-TEE day train.
“Ontario construction firm EllisDon has been awarded the contract to build new platforms in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Engelhart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, and Cochrane, Ont., and to install pre-manufactured shelters at Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, and Temagami.”
Some observations: Kirkland Lake is not on the rail line between Toronto and Timmins; it would need to be accessed by a 5.7 mile sidetrip on the Kirkland Lake subdivision (to Noranda) from Swastika Jct. The “Kirkland Lake” station will be on the main line in the vicinity of Swastika Jct.
“Temiskaming Shores” was formerly known as New Liskeard, and the Ontario Northland still calls its station that.
The railroad doesn’t quite go to Timmins anymore. The station site for the new service will actually be in Porcupine, immediately east of Timmins.
Other sources:
https://www.timminspress.com/news/archaeological-cultural-heritage-not-threatened-by-timmins-porcupine-station-study-shows
https://www.timminspress.com/news/ontario-announces-progress-on-passenger-rail-service-to-timmins
“The route identifies 16 stops including Toronto (Union Station), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake (Swastika), Matheson, Timmins, and Cochrane.”
“The Business Case selected by the province for return of the Northlander identifies Timmins as a terminus for service, with a rail connection for passengers traveling to Cochrane and connecting to the Polar Bear Express.”
I always liked the Ontario Northern colors when I first saw them in the late 70’s. At that time I remember the F units, the new SD40-2, and the triple chevrons logo. Nice livery on the new trainsets and redesigned logo.
In 1982 I travelled Montreal to Windsor the long way, riding VIAs remote service Montreal to Cochrane, then the Northland service Cochrane to Toronto. Actually a very nice journey, other than that gang of chain smokers in the no-smoking car out of Montreal, speaking a language that was completely unintelligible to me as if it were Russian rather than French.
I was unaware that the Northland service had been cancelled. Yes I liked the look of those trains inside and out but more than looks I always liked a train that actually runs. The Northland had a healthy passenger count and seemed to be an obvious route for a train.
With VIA’s remote service formerly Montreal to Cochrane cut back to Senneterre, that trip I made way back when wouldn’t be possible now.
I was always told they went from green to orange because of all the logging trucks they hit. The green just blended into the background and it was right around the time ditch lights where becoming standard.
I loved the lighting bolt pattern, not so keen on the O.N. Rail on the sd75i and I like the new blue yellow. Still hoping a N.S. unit gets the original diesel green.