Northlander train arrives as province moves closer to 2026 service return

The first of three new Northlander trainsets has arrived in Ontario, and the government says passenger service along the Toronto–Timmins corridor is expected to resume in 2026.

The Ontario government says the first of three new Northlander trainsets has arrived, marking a milestone in plans to restore passenger rail service to Northern Ontario nearly 14 years after it was cancelled. The restored route is reported to cover about 740 kilometres between Toronto and Timmins, with a connection to Cochrane and 16 stops. Officials say the trainset is undergoing testing and commissioning in Toronto before further testing along the corridor, and they expect the Northlander to fully return to service in 2026. Key details: - The first of three Siemens trainsets has arrived; each set includes one locomotive and three passenger cars with 169 seats, accessible washrooms, wide aisles, Wi‑Fi, charging ports and LED lighting. - The province says the restored service will cover about 740 kilometres with 16 stops between Toronto and Timmins and a connection to Cochrane. - The new trainset is undergoing testing and commissioning in Toronto; Ontario Northland will test it along the corridor to confirm safety and performance. - Work on stations and infrastructure is underway, including construction of the Timmins‑Porcupine Station, awarded contracts for platform and shelter work, and completion of the North Bay Rail Bypass, which the province says reduces travel time by about 15 minutes. - Premier Doug Ford and Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria described the project as part of the government’s broader infrastructure and economic plans. Summary: The arrival of the first trainset is presented by the province as a concrete step toward reconnecting northern communities and improving access to jobs, health care and education. Final testing and commissioning will continue in Toronto and along the corridor before regular service is scheduled to resume in 2026.