Ontario Construction News staff writer
EllisDon Civil East has been awarded contracts for station upgrades and the construction of a new Timmins–Porcupine Station as part of Ontario’s Northlander passenger rail project.
The provincial initiative, led by Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), will restore passenger service between Timmins and Toronto’s Union Station with 16 stops along the corridor. The route will also connect to Cochrane, where the Polar Bear Express runs to Moosonee.
EllisDon’s work includes rebuilding station platforms, installing prefabricated shelters, and delivering the new Timmins–Porcupine terminal. The shelters, to be installed at Matheson, Kirkland Lake (Swastika), Temiskaming Shores (New Liskeard), Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Washago, will provide passengers with safe, accessible waiting spaces. They will feature ample lighting, real-time train arrival updates, CCTV security cameras, Wi-Fi access, and consistent, modern amenities for passengers along the corridor.
Construction at these stops will also enhance parking areas, pathways, and accessibility for all passengers, with additional features such as bike racks, lighting, wayfinding signage, and improved station infrastructure. Work will continue through 2025 to complete upgrades at remaining stops, including South River, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville.
EllisDon’s Civil East division, established to expand the company’s civil construction presence in eastern Canada, has mobilized local resources and technical expertise to deliver complex, multi-site infrastructure across northern Ontario. Derek Love, senior vice-president and area manager for Civil East & Looby Construction, said the project reflects the team’s ability to integrate technical know-how with local insight.
“Winning the first package of the Northlander project for station improvements north of North Bay—and now expanding to the construction of the new Timmins–Porcupine Station—is a major milestone,” Love said. “It demonstrates our ability to consistently deliver for clients with trust, expertise and a commitment to excellence.”
Ontario Northland currently owns three existing stations at North Bay, Englehart and Cochrane. These facilities are undergoing accessibility upgrades and platform improvements, including spacious seating areas and washrooms, ticketing and transit connections, and integration with Ontario Northland Motor Coach and Bus Parcel Express services. The improvements aim to provide passengers with safe, welcoming, and fully accessible environments in preparation for the return of Northlander service.
including stops at Matheson, Kirkland Lake (Swastika), Temiskaming Shores (New Liskeard),
Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Washago. The shelters will
offer safe, accessible waiting areas with lighting, real-time train updates, CCTV, and Wi-Fi for passengers.
The Northlander project is expected to support regional growth by improving access to employment, education and healthcare while providing northern communities with reliable passenger rail service and a connection to the broader provincial transit network.