A northern Ontario group is asking the government to invest in a passenger rail system to stimulate the economy and provide safe and affordable transportation.
In response to Ontario’s Draft 2041 Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy, Northern Policy Institute (NPI) has published a series of commentaries outlining action items for the government and private sector to consider.
“NPI recognizes the importance of an innovative, diverse transportation strategy that takes all communities into account,” said NPI President and CEO Charles Cirtwill in a news release. “As part of our role to propose evidence-based, practical solutions that support the sustainable development of Ontario’s northern regions, we’ve put forward this series of action items that outline concrete next steps that the public and private sectors can use to inform the implementation and management of transportation policies over the coming decades.”
The commentary, called "Actions to move Northern Ontario forward: Passenger Rail," by authors Lucille Frith, Dr. Linda Savory Gordon and Howie Wilcox, examines how northern Ontario could benefit from a well-functioning passenger rail system.
“Northern Ontario, which accounts for approximately 90 per cent of Ontario’s geographic landmass, could benefit economically from a well-functioning passenger rail system with employment growth expected in transportation itself, and tourism in particular,” states the commentary. The authors also highlight how access to passenger rail might play a part in mitigating climate change, as well as enhancing the economic sustainability and connectivity of municipalities and First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. Additionally, passenger rail could provide a safe and affordable transportation method for groups such as newcomers, seniors, students, and individuals with disabilities.
Below is a summary of recommendations found within the commentary. To read the full paper, visit www.northernpolicy.ca/
MNDM and MTO should:
1. Conduct a concept development study of restored, reinvigorated passenger rail service.
2. Conduct a socioeconomic impact study of restored, reinvigorated passenger rail service.
3. Develop an operational plan for a restored, reinvigorated passenger rail service.
4. Consider, based on the aforementioned studies and plan, a proposal to provide passenger train service between Toronto and Cochrane, and between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, while preparing for resumption of service from Sault Ste. Marie to North Bay and from Cochrane to Hearst on railbeds that require improvements to enable passenger service.
Northern Policy Institute is Northern Ontario’s independent think tank.
