The Ontario government has awarded the contract to build a key station along the Northlander passenger rail line to EllisDon.

The Timmins-Porcupine Station will be the northern terminal station for the Northlander line. The government says the start of construction marks a significant step in the province’s work to bring back Northlander passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto.

“Our government is getting shovels in the ground on this critical station, delivering on our promise to bring back the Northlander and better connect northern communities to jobs, health care and opportunity,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.

Early work construction is already underway on the platform, parking area and a passenger waiting area. Once complete, the station will be a modern station with accessible washrooms, varied seating and a ticket counter. Outdoor features will include an accessible platform, motor coach bays, parking, pedestrian pathways, a taxi stand and a designated passenger pickup and drop-off area.

“The Northlander will fundamentally shift how people move across the province, creating more connections to the province’s integrated transportation network,” said Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer at Ontario Northland. “The Northlander will provide improved access to essential services, such as health care and education, while supporting economic prosperity and tourism in the region, strengthening the connection between the north and the south.”

Work is also underway along the Northlander track to adjust curves to ensure the train runs at higher speeds and with fewer disruptions. Once reinstated, the Northlander will provide southbound service leaving from Timmins and northbound service leaving from Toronto, up to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands. There will be 16 stops in both directions, including a rail connection to Cochrane.

Last fall, EllisDon was also awarded the contract to reconstruct platforms and install pre-manufactured shelters at train stops along the future Northlander corridor from North Bay to Cochrane.

In May 2024, the province awarded three contracts to design and manufacture nine new Northlander station shelters, enhance rail safety and complete warning system upgrades.