South River is making the case for why it should be one of 13 stops along a resurrected passenger rail service, should it come to northern Ontario.
South River Mayor Jim Coleman has written Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli and Ontario Northland Transportation Commission president and chief executive officer Corina Moore asking that the village “be considered as a stopping point in the proposed plan.”
A $5-million ‘Initial Business Case’ study will examine how to provide passenger rail from Toronto through to North Bay and then to Timmins or Cochrane.
Coleman, who congratulated all involved for moving the passenger rail service issue forward, says South River already has an established rail siding, adding the village “was an important scheduled stop on the former Ontario Northland Rail Service Line and has proven to be an effective location.”
In his letter, he says the service is an “important step in servicing the needs of the people” in the Almaguin Highlands.
Coleman says on a larger scale, passenger rail service provides an important link for tourists visiting the region, people who go to Algonquin Park, cottage owners, and area residents.
He believes passenger rail may help further business opportunities and serve as “a tremendous boost to the economic development of the entire area of the Almaguin Highlands.”
Coleman’s letter assumes two of the 13 stops are Huntsville and North Bay.
He says with South River roughly between both communities, it makes it easier for residents of the village and immediate area to board the train in South River, rather than make the drive to North Bay or Huntsville.
Coleman concludes his letter saying “We would very much appreciate your serious consideration of this proposal.”
During council’s regular meeting Monday, Coleman said South River has parking available for people to leave their vehicles and board the passenger train if the municipality becomes one of the 13 stops.
Coun. Bill O’Hallarn said the municipality needs to be part of the business case study and look at the types of services the village could provide.
Last month when the ‘Initial Business Case’ was announced, Moore said along with examining possible station locations and shelters, there would be discussions with various communities along the route to get their input on how their transportation needs could be met.
Moore said at the time she envisions the new rail service will include Wi-Fi, food services, power outlets, and accessible washrooms.
Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney, who also was part of the announcement, said the government recognizes the unique transportation needs of northern Ontario.
Mulroney did not confirm where any of the 13 stops would be located.
South River council agreed at its last meeting that if passenger rail becomes a reality, it’s important that the train gets to its destinations on time.
Moore made the same point, saying all parties want to ensure the service has on-time service incorporated into it.
One possibility discussed at last month’s announcement considered northern residents travelling overnight and arriving in Toronto early in the morning to maximize their day in the city while reducing the need to stay overnight.
The business case study will not be completed until sometime in 2022, meaning the potential restoration of passenger rail in the North is still years away.
Passenger train service was cancelled by the former Liberal government in 2012.
Rocco Frangione is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the North Bay Nugget. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
