NEORN works cooperatively with like-minded non government organizations (NGOs) in Ontario to advance passenger rail.  We have a very close relationship with Transport Action Ontario (TAO), a long-standing NGO covering public transportation across the entire province. Our two organizations work jointly on advocacy for northern Ontario, such as restoration of the Northlander train, and also assist each others with some administrative matters. 

In conjunction with its annual general meeting, TAO is hosting a public presentation of the recently released film “Tripping: Train 185”, which features the Sudbury – White River VIA train.  Further details, including how to register for the virtual showing, are given below.

For more information on Transport Action Ontario, check out their website ontario.transportaction.ca

Public Presentation of “Tripping: Train 185″Saturday April 15th 2023

Transport Action Ontario invites all Transport Action members and supporters across Canada to join us for the public portion of our Annual General Meeting, featuring a showing of the recently released documentary film “Tripping: Train 185”. Further details on the film are given below. The event is free and will be in hybrid format. individuals can attend in person or virtually using Zoom from your computer or phone. Here are the details: When: Saturday April 15th, 2023 – 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Eastern) Where: Medal Room, Royal Canadian Military Institute426 University Ave, Toronto(near University Ave. and Dundas St. – see map) or Virtual: Zoom Online Conference Individuals intending to attend in person just need to show up, dress code is business casual. If you prefer to attend virtually you will need to register using the button below: Register Now for Virtual Attendance – Free Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to join the Zoom webinar online from your computer or smartphone, and phone numbers to dial in. You won’t need a camera to participate. Parts of the meeting will be recorded. Documentary “Tripping: Train 185” This one-hour film will have its World Premiere on TVO on April 7, one week before our showing. It is the fourth installment of the popular TRIPPING series. It invites you to hop aboard VIA Train 185 travelling from Sudbury to White River. Since its first trip way back in 1881, Train 185 has ferried both people and their goods along this storied route for over 140 years. Today, for many northern Ontario communities, this train is still their main connection to the outside world. Over the course of this immersive documentary, you’ll witness the train being loaded with essentials such as food, canoes, and building equipment for the communities the rail line supports. You’ll overhear conversations between train operators and passengers. Then, watch as the train stops in the middle of the wilderness to pick up campers and cottage owners. It’s a mesmerizing journey that winds through Canadian Shield cut outs, follows pristine lakes, and passes forgotten towns. Like the first three films in the TRIPPING series, TRIPPING: Train185 showcases our vast province, connecting you to communities you may not otherwise experience, all from the comfort of your own chair. (TVO Original Documentary) Following the showing, the film’s director or the production team will respond to questions and comments. Business Meeting Ontario members in good standing will also be receiving a separate invitation and registration link for the business portion of the Annual General Meeting, which will follow immediately after the public session. To join or renew your membership now, please click here. In conclusion, thank you for your continued support for Transport Action. We look forward to seeing you on April 15. Peter Miasek, President, Transport Action Ontario

The Northeastern Ontario Rail Network and Transport Action Ontario welcome publication of the long-awaited Initial Business Case for restoring Northeastern Passenger Rail Service by MTO and Ontario Northland on May 25th, and we are encouraged that the Government of Ontario plans to move forward with the restoration of passenger rail service based on the clear social equity need for this service and whole-economy spin-off benefits for the north.

To explain what this announcement means for the region, and what the next steps will be, Corina Moore, CEO of Ontario Northland, will be joining us for a live webinar on June 23rd

Ontario Northland:

Passenger Rail Vision

Wednesday June 23rd, 11am

If you don’t have broadband Internet or can’t access Zoom, you can also dial in by phone. Please register online to get the phone numbers and passcode.

Gravenhurst joins Huntsville, North Bay in supporting the Northlander’s return

By Sarah Law, Gravenhurst Banner

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Education, health care, tourism, environment, among benefits of rail: advocates

By Sarah Law, Gravenhurst Banner

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Today the Northeastern Ontario Rail Network (NEORN) is excited to announce the Ontario government has committed to funding the next step to moving forward on the project with $5M and hopefully then to the final stage: putting ‘bums in seats’ on the train between Toronto and Timmins/Cochrane.

Quoted from Page 106 Ontario Budget 2021:
“Ontario is committed to reviewing initiatives to meet transportation needs in the North to optimize bus services and to develop options for passenger rail services across Northern Ontario. In keeping with the draft Transportation Plan for Northern Ontario, the government is accelerating work to examine safety and infrastructure needs for potential future passenger rail service between Toronto, North Bay, Timmins and Cochrane. Ontario is investing $5 million to support planning and design work. An initial business case is being finalized and is expected to be released in spring 2021.”

Our expectation is the next steps in the ONTC/Metrolinx Business Plan will be to confirm costs and service plans as well as to work with CN on a track audit of the CN line south of North Bay to Toronto and ensure the performance expectations will be met. It is critical for all parties to continue engaging with key stakeholders including municipalities, First Nations, Colleges and Universities as well as the general public.

Howie and I thank all those invested in getting the Northlander back on the track for their ongoing and never wavering enthusiastic support over the last 8 ½ years. As Co-Chairs of the Northeastern Ontario Rail Network advocacy group, we were both holding our breath with this budget – hoping to hear about the return of passenger rail service to northeastern Ontario. And we did! Now we will continue to follow the MTO closely to ensure we continue to move forward at a good pace.

Next, we look forward to the soon to be published ONTC/METROLINX Business Plan.

Lucille Frith and Howie Wilcox, NEORN Co-Chairs

From October 23 to November 20, 2020, more than 7,200 people, including 8.3% of respondents that self-identified as Indigenous, shared their feedback about transportation opportunities along the rail corridor between Toronto, North Bay, Timmins and Cochrane.
​View survey results: https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-transportation-opportunities-along-northeastern-ontario-rail-corridor

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION Survey!
Use this link to reach and complete survey presented below. Deadline is NOVEMBER 20!

Consultation: Transportation opportunities along the northeastern Ontario rail corridor

We want to better understand the unique transportation needs of people and businesses along the rail corridor between Toronto, North Bay and Cochrane/Timmins. Your feedback will help us develop a plan to improve the transportation system in northeastern Ontario. We will report back on what we heard in Winter 2021.

October 23, 2020

TORONTO ― Ontario is launching an online survey as part of its commitment to improve passenger rail and bus services between Toronto, North Bay, Timmins and Cochrane.  Responses to the Northeastern Ontario transportation survey will be used to explore options for passenger rail services and help inform the future transportation plan for Northern Ontario.

“We’re inviting everyone, particularly in Northeastern Ontario, to take our survey and help build a transportation network that works for their needs,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “The feedback we receive will be an important component to improving transportation options for northern communities and supporting economic growth in the north.”

The Northeastern Ontario transportation survey seeks feedback on preferences for passenger rail and bus services in Northeastern Ontario, including departure times, train frequency, travel time and cost considerations. The survey is open to public feedback, including municipalities, Indigenous communities, businesses and industry, with the deadline for all submissions on or before November 20, 2020.

“As part of our government’s plan for passenger rail services in the North, we are seeking input and feedback on key details from the public,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and MPP for Nipissing. “This survey will allow people in Nipissing and communities across the region to have their say in continuing to improve those vital connections.”

This survey builds on the province’s recent actions to improve transportation across Northern Ontario. This includes building and upgrading rest areas along highways in the North to provide drivers with safe places to stop and enhancing winter maintenance activities to clear roads faster. Through 2020-21, Ontario will invest $625 million to expand and repair northern highways, estimated to create or sustain approximately 4,370 direct and indirect construction jobs for the people of Northern Ontario.

“Our government recognizes the unique transportation needs and challenges of the North,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. “Improving transportation options and connecting communities will enhance quality of life by providing northerners with better access to services, medical appointments and family.”

Quick Facts

• Ontario is developing regional transportation plans that will help build a better transportation system to keep people and goods moving across the province, including Northern Ontario. This project is part of the province’s plan to get people where they need to go and support economic opportunities in the North.
• The northeastern rail corridor from Toronto to Cochrane is home to over 3.1 million people.

Natasha Tremblay, Minister Mulroney’s Office, 437 778-3503 Natasha.Tremblay@ontario.ca

Michael O’Morrow, Communications Branch, 416 327-1158 MTO.media@ontario.ca

As you may have an interest in seeing passenger train service resume in northeastern Ontario, the Committee Promoting Muskoka Rail Travel (CPMRT) and the Northeastern Ontario Rail Network (NEORN) are pleased to forward to you this recent media release from the Ministry of Transportation.

We urge you to complete the Ministry of Transportation survey as well as forward this content to your contacts who may share your interest in passenger rail service from Toronto to northeastern Ontario, through Muskoka to North Bay all the way to Timmins and Cochrane, connecting with the Polar Bear Express to Moosonee.

HELP GET THE TRAIN BACK ON THE TRACK —

     TAKE THE SURVEY!!!!!            NOW!           DEADLINE NOVEMBER 20.

NEORN Co-Chairs THANK YOU

Lucille Frith  lakeofbays.lucille@gmail.com 

Howie Wilcox williamwilcox48@gmail.com

The Northeastern Ontario Rail Network (NEORN) continues to advocate to the provincial and federal governments for:

• the return of passenger rail service in Northeastern Ontario,
• improving existing passenger and freight rail services in the north,
• placing a moratorium on removal of any rail lines.