Ontario administration grants building project of Timmins-Porcupine Station to EllisDon construction company
In mid-July 2025, the construction of the Timmins-Porcupine Station commenced, marking a significant milestone in the revival of the Northlander passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto. The government of Ontario has awarded a contract to EllisDon for this project.
The completed station will feature accessible washrooms, varied seating, a ticket counter, and an accessible platform, among other amenities. In addition to the station construction, crews are working on track upgrades to allow trains to operate at higher speeds, enhancing the efficiency of the service.
The Northlander service, once reinstated, is planned to operate up to seven days a week, offering both southbound and northbound services between Timmins and Toronto. The station will serve not only Northlander trains but also motorcoaches and Bus Parcel Express services.
Outdoor features will include an accessible platform, motorcoach bays, parking, pedestrian pathways, a taxi stand, and a designated passenger pickup and drop-off area. The station is expected to help bring back Northlander passenger rail service, strengthening the connection between the north and the south.
Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, stated that the construction of the Timmins-Porcupine Station is part of a plan to protect Ontario from unprecedented U.S. tariffs. He added that the investment in the station is a demonstration of the government's commitment to building a stronger, more connected northern Ontario.
Chad Evans, CEO at Ontario Northland, said that the Northlander will fundamentally shift how people move across the province, creating more connections to Ontario's integrated transportation network. He further emphasized that the service aims to improve connectivity between northern and southern Ontario, which is expected to boost economic growth, support industries, and enhance access to essential services like healthcare and education.
MPP for Timmins, George Pirie, expressed his pride in the investment in the Timmins-Porcupine Station, stating that it is a proud moment for Timmins and a clear demonstration of the government's commitment to building a stronger, more connected northern Ontario. MPP for Nipissing, Vic Fedeli, also highlighted the significance of the revitalization of the Northlander, stating that it represents a step forward in supporting improved labor mobility and regional growth.
Construction is expected to continue through 2025 and into 2026 before completion. The Northlander service is anticipated to provide improved access to essential services such as health care and education while driving long-term economic growth and strengthening the connection between the north and the south.
- The management of the integrated transportation network will undoubtedly benefit from the rail technology implemented in the Timmins-Porcupine Station, setting the stage for sports teams to easily travel between northern and southern Ontario.
- As the Northlander passenger rail service resumes, it will not only cater to trains but also offer motorcoaches and Bus Parcel Express services, thereby expanding the existing transportation infrastructure.
- In addition to upgrading the track for higher speed trains, the station also includes an accessible platform, catering to various modes of transport like buses and taxis, indicative of the government's comprehensive infrastructure development strategy.
