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A new Northlander train has been out of service for more than two months after it collided with a tow truck at a level crossing near Bracebridge, Ontario. The incident occurred in early July during a testing and commissioning run, when the train struck a vehicle at the High Falls Road rail crossing while warning lights were active. No injuries resulted from the crash, but the train has remained offline ever since.
Crash Disrupts Northlander Testing Schedule
The collision happened as crews worked to prepare the Northlander for its planned return to service. The train struck the tow truck despite active signals designed to stop vehicles from entering the track. Repairs have now stretched past two and a half months, raising questions about the timeline for the line’s launch.
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Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation offered limited detail about the impact of the crash on the broader schedule. A ministry spokesperson told Global News that repairs would finish soon. “Repairs to the trainset will be completed soon and testing and commissioning activities are advancing as we prepare the service for launch,” the spokesperson said. However, the ministry did not confirm whether the July crash had pushed back the planned launch date.
A Long-Awaited Return for Northern Ontario
The Northlander holds significant importance for communities across northern Ontario. Ontario Premier Doug Ford first promised to restore the service during the 2018 provincial election campaign. The route is planned to run from Toronto’s Union Station north to Timmins and Cochrane.
The Ontario Liberals originally cancelled the Northlander service in 2012. Since then, residents in the region have pushed for its return. The Ford government has not announced a specific opening date, but has committed to having the line operational in 2026.
Northern Residents Growing Frustrated
Meanwhile, local frustration is mounting over the lack of clear answers. Ontario NDP MPP Guy Bourgouin said residents want the service restored but cannot get reliable information from the government. “The people of the north, we want the Northlander back, of course,” he told Global News. “This is a service that we need in northern Ontario.”
Bourgouin added that earlier timelines had already shifted more than once. “We’ve been asking questions to the government, to the appropriate people; we can’t get an answer,” he said. “We heard it was supposed to start at the end of August, then the end of September.” As a result, communities along the route remain uncertain about when regular rail service will finally resume.
