October 12, 2026

TESTING, TESTING … STILL TESTING NORTHLANDER TRAINS AS PASSENGER PLATFORMS REMAIN UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR FUTURE UNKNOWN DATE START

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MUSKOKA — If you build it they will come.

That’s the Ontario Northlander trains and their new passenger platforms still under construction in Bracebridge and Gravenhurst — which may just have “temporary” shelter kiosk at first.

The former is well ahead of the latter in south Muskoka, while in Huntsville they’re talking about a locked restricted parking lot for passengers only.

With still no start date for the return of the Northlander, anticipation continues to mount for trips to Toronto.

But if you can’t wait … there’s always their milk run bus route option.

Or you can drive to Barrie and catch 90-minute-plus GO Train.

Or motor a little farther south to Hwy. 7 and catch a 45-minute TTC subway downtown from the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station.

I see that train a comin’ … some day. Soon? Who knows as the Ontario Northlander continues intermitent test runs between North Bay and Toronto as communities await its arrival along the line. PHOTOS Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

Meanwhile, back up here in central Ontario work continues alongside the south branch of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge and on Centennial Drive across Brock Street from the old Train Station. Both are in their downtowns and about two blocks their main streets.

Both are new builds by Ontario Northland, which at last word was to take over ownership in September of the track between North Bay Washago — where they’re also building one of eight kiosks on the 11-stop route.

The Bracebridge location is further ahead with lights and electrical conduits.

And well under construction compared to Gravenhurst where the temporary passenger kiosk is expected to be at the north end of the plaform at first.

The two will have approximately a 75-metre paved stopping area for engineers to pull to a stop for the morning 8-9 a.m. southbound and 9-10 p.m. northbound night train stops.

An Ontario Northland mail-out over Thanksgiving weekend warned drivers about taking caution especially at rail crossing that just have lights and no wigwags coming down across the road.

That after an accident July 9 when a northbound Northlander hit a tow-truck in Bracebridge. Luckily there was no injury to the driver.