Ontario Construction News staff writer
TIMMINS — EllisDon has been awarded the contract to build the new Timmins-Porcupine Station, a key component of Ontario’s plan to restore Northlander passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto.
The announcement marks a major step in the government’s efforts to reconnect northern communities and support economic development in the region. Once complete, the station will serve as the northern terminal for the Northlander, supporting passenger rail, motor coach, and Bus Parcel Express services.
“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,” Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said in a statement. “It’s all part of our plan to protect Ontario in the face of unprecedented U.S. tariffs.”
The Timmins-Porcupine Station will feature accessible washrooms, varied seating, a ticket counter and waiting area. Outside, passengers will have access to motor coach bays, parking, a taxi stand, pedestrian pathways and a designated pick-up and drop-off zone.
Early construction work is already underway on key infrastructure, including the platform and parking area.
Additional construction is taking place along the Northlander corridor to adjust track curves, allowing trains to operate at higher speeds with fewer delays. Once operational, the service will run between Timmins and Toronto up to seven days a week, with 16 stops in each direction, including a connection to Cochrane.
“The Northlander will provide improved access to essential services, such as health care and education, while supporting economic prosperity and tourism in the region,” said Chad Evans, CEO of Ontario Northland.
Last fall, the province awarded contracts to reconstruct platforms and install pre-manufactured shelters at stops from North Bay to Cochrane. In May, three more contracts were awarded to design and manufacture nine new station shelters, upgrade warning systems and improve rail safety.
“This investment will better connect our communities to jobs, health care and education, while driving long-term economic growth,” said Timmins MPP George Pirie.
Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka, said restoring the Northlander will create economic opportunities across the region and strengthen rural and northern infrastructure.
The Northlander service was discontinued in 2012.