PROVINCE CONFIRMS NORTHLANDER TRAIN ‘IN TORONTO FOR TESTING’ BEFORE MOVING NORTH FOR MORE TESTING ALONG THE NEW 2026 CORRIDOR

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

TORONTO — Ontario confirmed this week that it has officially taken possession of the first of three Northlander trains it expects to have on track this year.

And that “testing” is underway — as we reported over Christmas — and that Northerners will see the distinctive train set being tested up here.

No timefrrame was given for those test runs Toronto to Timmins.

A release Thursday said: “The train set is currently undergoing testing and commissioning work in Toronto before moving north, where Ontario Northland will begin testing the train along the Northlander corridor to ensure all systems function correctly and meet safety, performance and operating requirements. The Northlander is expected to return to service in 2026.”

Premier Doug Ford, centre with Vic Fedeli, and officials greet the Northlander in Toronto. PHOTO Province
Following the recent release of a tentative schedule for the Northlander, which was seen here around Hamilton the week before Christmas, the province now confirms one of the train sets is in Toronto for “testing” before moving north for more testing along the route corridor. No timefrrame was given for those test runs. PHOTO Joseph Bishop

See our original story here below that went viral:

NORTHLANDER TRAIN WOULD PUT MUSKOKA PASSENGERS THREE HOURS TO UNION STATION TORONTO https://muskokatoday.com/2026/01/northlander-train-would-put-muskoka-passengers-three-hours-to-union-station-toronto/

“Today is a great day for the people of Northern Ontario as we move another step closer to bringing the Northlander back into service, so families and workers can travel conveniently from Union Station all the way to Timmins and Cochrane,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to invest in the largest public transit expansion in Canadian history as part of our plan to create jobs, tackle gridlock and protect workers and businesses.”

“Restoring Northlander passenger rail service is a clear sign of our government’s steadfast commitment to delivering greater affordability, economic opportunity and everyday convenience for the people and communities of Parry Sound-Muskoka,” says local government MPP Graydon Smith.

“We’re taking action to strengthen regional connections, support local businesses and create more reliable travel options across northern and central Ontario. I look forward to riding the new Northlander trains, and I’m excited about the many opportunities this service will bring for residents, workers, students and visitors throughout Parry Sound—Muskoka.”

Deputy premier and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli added:

“The Northlander is an integral part of our government’s plan to equip northern communities, like Nipissing, with the safe, convenient and reliable transportation they deserve. The arrival of the first new train set marks a significant and exciting milestone in this restoration process and will play a key role in ensuring Northern Ontario’s economy can be positioned for growth, resilience and prosperity for generations to come.”

Provincial background notes:

  • In 2025, the province began construction of Timmins-Porcupine Station, awarded the contract to reconstruct platforms and install shelters along the Northlander corridor and completed the North Bay Rail Bypass, which will cut travel times by 15 minutes.
  • Once complete, the Northlander will offer rail service from Toronto to Timmins, with a connection to Cochrane. Service will strengthen northern industries and the resource sector while improving access to good-paying jobs and essential services, including health care and education.
  • Northern Ontario is an economic engine, home to more than 65,000 local businesses and contributing over $55.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2024.
  • Ontario has purchased three new Northlander train sets from Siemens. Each train set consists of one locomotive and three passenger cars.
  • Northlander rail cars were designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Each train set has 169 seats, including accessible seating, wide aisles, accessible washrooms, charging ports, Wi-Fi and LED lighting.
  • The Northlander will enhance Ontario’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North.

 

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