Category Archives for "Northern Ontario"

Updated Bear Train business case released

By Transport Action Ontario | Northern Ontario

After a ten-year hiatus in passenger service, the Mask-wa Oo-ta-ban (Algoma Bear Train) may be poised to begin weekend-only operation between Sault Ste. Marie and the south end of Oba Lake if federal or provincial funding can be secured to restore service for residents and visitors to First Nations communities, lodges and camps in the region made famous by the Group of Seven artists.

The Mask-wa Transportation Association Inc. (MTA Inc.) and the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains (CAPT) hosted a special event at the Agawa Canyon Tour Train Station on Thursday, December 12, 2024 to release the results of a study conducted by CPCS, a leading Canadian railway and infrastructure consultancy.

Mask-wa Transportation Association Inc., a non-profit corporation established by Missanabie Cree First Nation was pleased to announce that after intense analysis by CPCS, an updated Bear Train Business Case has been developed. This new business case includes updated financial projections, which will strengthen the feasibility and viability of the initiative.

Once all the necessary funding is secured, and with support from the Agawa Canyon Railroad line owner Watco, the Bear Train would be able to resume a weekend-only passenger service between Sault Ste. Marie and the south end of Oba Lake. MTA Inc. will approach federal and provincial governments in the new year to request ongoing operating funding for this service.

Watco, which took over operation of the 245-mile stretch of tracks running from the Sault to Oba from CN in 2022 and has continued operation of the seasonal Agawa Canyon Tour Train, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Missanabie Cree First Nation at the time regarding partnership opportunities for the Algoma Central Railway.

“This initiative is about more than transportation—it’s about a critical First Nations project, community connections and regional economic development,” said Chair, David MacLachlan. “We’re excited to bring this vision closer to reality with the support of our partners and community.”

To amplify these efforts, the Campaign for Algoma Passenger Trains will be launching a widespread advocacy campaign to rally support for the Bear Train funding. Community backing is essential to making this project a reality, as it promises significant benefits for First Nations communities and all residents along the Algoma Central Railway route.

To continue service north of Oba Lake, to the junction with the CN main line at Oba and up to Hearst, would require capital investment to repair the Oba Lake bridges there, which Transport Action Canada’s Beyond HFR report asks the federal government to consider.

Connected Intercity Bus Network still Needed

By Transport Action Ontario | Intercity Rail and Bus , Northern Ontario , Southwestern Ontario

At the public portion of the Transport Action Ontario Annual General Meeting, May 25, 2024, John Stepovy, Director of Partnerships, Busbud.com, summarized the status of the intercity bus network in Canada. 

Busbud is a Canadian company that provides bus and rail trip searching, planning, scheduling, booking and payment services for clients in 80 countries.  Key partners in Canada include VIA Rail, Union Pearson Express, Flixbus, Rider Express, Ontario Northland, Ebus, Maritime Bus and many more.

There continue to be issues in establishing a coordinated bus network in Canada:

• Different carriers have different concession definitions and different baggage policies.
• Different carriers often use different terminals in the same part of a city, meaning connections are challenging, especially with baggage.  For example, most bus carriers use the Union Station Bus Terminal in Toronto, while others use a drop point on York St. or on Queen’s Quay Blvd.
• Lack of federal interest in developing a cross-Canada connected network. The federal government could fill a real gap by funding a central platform that houses all carriers’ schedules, maps, route information and fares.  While parliamentarians are supportive of this, Transport Canada has largely deflected this need to the Provinces.
• Lack of federal interest in supporting private carriers to fill out the rural bus network.  For example, private carriers are not eligible for the Rural Transit Solutions Fund.

Transport Action will continue to work with Busbud and with bus carriers to advocate for improvements to the cross-Canada bus network.

Advocacy Summary April, 2023 – May, 2024

By Transport Action Ontario | Highways and Bridges , Intercity Rail and Bus , Latest News , Northern Ontario , Southwestern Ontario , Urban Transit

Transport Action Ontario’s annual general meeting (AGM) was held in Toronto on May 25, 2024 in a hybrid format. The meeting followed a pro-forma agenda, including Treasurer’s report and election of officers and directors for the upcoming year.

The major part of the meeting was devoted to the President’s Report, which summarized the extensive advocacy work undertaken by the organization all across the Province over the past 12 months. In total, work was conducted on about 30 items, with some successes and good progress on others.

For members and subscribers who were unable to attend the AGM, the President’s Report is attached as a FYI.

Submission to Ontario 2024 Budget Consultation

By Transport Action Ontario | Intercity Rail and Bus , Latest News , Northern Ontario , Southwestern Ontario , Urban Transit

The Ontario government is conducting public consultations leading up to its 2024 Budget, expected in March, 2024. Transport Action Ontario has made a written submission on public transportation needs, with eight recommendations:

• Make Community Transportation Grants permanent
• Use a partnership approach on regional passenger rail outside the Greater Golden Horseshoe
• Work with CN to upgrade track for new “Northlander” train
• Support shortline rail with track maintenance tax credit
• Introduce provincial banking of discontinued rail corridors, i.e. “rail bank”
• Do a deep dive into capital costs and procurement model for rapid transit in Ontario
• Cancel Highway 413
• Scope new revenue tools for municipal government, and on congestion/road pricing

Our submission can be viewed below.

Advocacy Summary for April, 2022 – April, 2023

By Transport Action Ontario | Events , Highways and Bridges , Intercity Rail and Bus , Latest News , Northern Ontario , Southwestern Ontario , Uncategorized , Urban Transit

Transport Action Ontario’s annual general meeting (AGM) was held in Toronto on April 15, 2023 in a hybrid format. The meeting followed a pro-forma agenda, including Treasurer’s report and election of officers and directors for the upcoming year.

The major part of the meeting was devoted to the President’s report, which summarized the extensive advocacy work undertaken by the organization all across the Province over the past 12 months. In total, work was conducted on about 30 items, with some successes and good progress on others.

For members and subscribers who were unable to attend the AGM, the President’s Report is attached as a FYI.