Together with Transport Secretary Caroline Mulroney, Ford said the plan is now to consider building 16 stops from the Timmins in Toronto, including a recently announced rail expansion in Cochrane.
The Ontario government has announced that it is restoring rail passenger service between Timmins and Toronto following its cancellation in 2012. April 10/22 (Provided)
“The previous government chose to cancel this rail service, cutting off people and economies in northeastern Ontario from the rest of the province,” Ford said in a press release.
“At a time when our government is creating domestic supply chains connecting resources, industries and workers in the north with the future of clean steel, electric vehicles and batteries, we are re-establishing this vital transport link. completed by bringing the passenger rail back to northeastern Ontario. “
The announcement comes with graphics depicting the test track, including 14 confirmed stations from Cochrane to Toronto, two “sensitivity stations” on Lake Kirkland and the South River, and an express bus route from Matheson to Cochrane.
A partnership between the county, Ontario Northland Transport Company and CN Rail, which owns the lines between North Bay and Toronto, the project is expected to connect approximately 176,000 northerners with southern Ontario.
The project would also allow connection to the Polar Bear Express from Cochrane to Moosonee.
Timmins Mayor George Pirie said he was excited about the news.
“The return of the passenger train to Timmins is an urgent need for the development and prosperity of our region. As a regional hub and with Porcupine as the future terminal, we will certainly see a positive impact on our tourism and industry sectors,” he said. Pirie, who is also the city’s Progressive Conservative candidate in the upcoming provincial elections.
“This investment consolidates the government’s commitment to our city. Residents will have another viable travel option in Toronto and the South. This is an urgent need for access to medical appointments and travel. It will improve our quality of life and well-being.” community by enhancing access to and from the Timmins and the north “.
The county predicts the passenger rail service could operate in the Northeast once again within the next three to six years, and possibly sooner, Transport Department Dakota Brasier said in an email to CTV News.
On Friday, Ford was in Sault Ste. Marie to announce a new program called North Energy Advantage which will help reduce electricity costs for the area’s industrial sector. Read more about it here.
Ontario’s next provincial election is less than two months away on June 2, and the Progressive Conservatives will try to stay in power.
