The Ontario government has awarded three contracts for infrastructure projects to resume Northlander passenger rail transport between Toronto and Timmins. The company Enseicom will install new station shelters with seating, lighting and heating at the Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Washago stations within two years. Platforms, car parks, and paths will also be built. Rail contractor Remcan will be making track improvements and X-Rail will be updating warning systems north of North Bay. Service on the Northlander corridor was cancelled in 2012 and replaced by bus service. In 2023, the Ontario government ordered three push-pull trains from Siemens Mobility for resumption. The passenger trains will run four to seven days a week in future, depending on seasonal demand.
