Toronto Ontario - The Ontario government has awarded a contract to begin platform reconstruction and installation of pre-manufactured shelters at train stops along the future Northlander corridor, marking another milestone in the province's plan to bring back safe and reliable passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto.
 
The construction contract covers platform reconstruction at stops in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, and Cochrane.
 
In each location, crews will install raised concrete platforms with improved accessibility, lighting, and signage.
 
The contract also includes the installation of pre-manufactured shelters at stops in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, and Temagami.
 
The government will award a separate contract for the construction of Timmins-Porcupine station.
 
In addition, the province has unveiled the new exterior design of the Northlander, giving communities a first look at the state-of-the-art trains that will soon pave the way for an integrated transportation network that connects communities from the north to the south.
 
The new fully accessible trains will feature built-in wheelchair lifts, mobility aid storage spaces, galley-style food services, Wi-Fi, and fully accessible washrooms.
 
Once reinstated, the Northlander will provide southbound service leaving from Timmins and northbound service leaving from Toronto, four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands.
 
There will be 16 stops in both directions.
 
Author unknown.