(Un)Official Ontario Northland Railfan Page
News Archive
Nov 24 O.N. Telcom, Telus alliance being reviewed by province (from North Bay Nugget)
Nov 18 No plan to OK Adams mine:Premier(from TheStar.com )
Nov 17 McGuinty accused of breaking promise regarding Adams Mine (from Northern Daily News )
Nov 17 Adams mine site wins water-removal approval (from TheStar.com )
Nov 11 North Bay Santa Express departs Nov. 22(from North Bay Nugget)
Oct 18 ONTC plan ready for review (from North Bay Nugget)
Oct 8 Adams Mine proponents reject Ramsay’s call for public hearings (from Northern Daily News )
Oct 6 "Four cars on southbound 514 derailed this afternoon at Mile 28.5 on the Kapuskasing Subdivision ...The location is about a mile or so east of Smooth Rock Falls. Luckily there are no injuries and 514 rolled into Cochrane Junction at about 1745 with her power and 3 cars." (thanks to Mike Robin )
Sep 26 Dump not dead - Eves wades into Toronto's garbage disposal problems (from Toronto Sun )
Sep 19 GP38-2 1808 sustains damage after colliding with loaded lumber truck. Luckily, no injuries. (thanks to Mike Robin )
Sep 18 Adams Mine lanfill proponents seek permission to begin project (from Northern Daily News )
Sep 16 Rail Haul North announces plans to proceed with landfill site (from Northern Daily News )
Sep 12 Tembec’s Kenogami saw mill resumes production (from Northern Daily News )
Sep 8 Adams Mine Rail Haul is stepping up fight against alleged misinformation (from Northern Daily News )
Aug 27 TFA faces legal action over Adams Mine controversy (from Northern Daily News )
Jul 28 Temagami inaugurates new tourist facility (from Northern Daily News )
Jul 19 Kenogami sawmill to re-open (from Northern Daily News )
Jul 9 Chamber getting political (from North Bay Nugget)
Jul 2 Ontario Northland railway gets $2.5 million lifeline (from TheStar.com )
Jul 2 Few details being released about fatal rail accident(from Timmins Daily Press )
Jun 19 New proposal on track for ONR (from Northern Daily News )
Jun 19 Adams mine controversy heats up once again (from Northern Daily News )
Jun 15 Go back to ISG plan — Koning (from North Bay Nugget)
Jun 5 Eves' labour demands sink ONRail deal - 'Not acceptable,' says CN (from National Post )
Jun 5 CN terminates ONR talks (from North Bay Nugget)
Jun 4 ONR's future still in doubt (from North Bay Nugget)
Jun 3 CN derails its plans to purchase ON Rail (from Timmins Daily Press )
Jun 3 CN stops negotiations to purchase ON Rail (from Northern Daily News )
Jun 3 CN ends talks to acquire ONRail (from Globe and Mail)
Jun 3 CN abandons ONRail acquisition bid(from TheStar.com )
Jun 2 Newsflash: CN's talks to acquire ONRail end over Ontario
government's demands for public sector-like job
guarantees
(from CCNMatthews.com )
Jun 2 Stop Toronto trash drive launched in Michigan (from TheStar.com )
May 23 Derailment update (from TheStar.com )
May 22 Train derails near Orillia, Ont. (from Globe and Mail)
May 22 Derailed CN train leaks toxic acid (from TheStar.com )
May 21 Orillia train derailment spreads sulphuric acid (from TheStar.com )
May 8 Mock disaster demonstrates result of drinking and driving (from Timmins Daily Press )
Mar 19 Promotional push on for the Northlander (from Timmins Daily Press )
Mar 10 ONTC faces court action(from North Bay Nugget)
Mar 10 ISG accuses province of double standard(from North Bay Nugget)
Feb 28 Duguid trying to soothe backlash on trash trek(from TheStar.com )
Feb 21 Garbage fight gives mine backers hope (from Globe and Mail)
Feb 21 Two-lane modular bridge set to open mid-March in Latchford (from Temiskaming Speaker )
Feb 14 Power, Pope and Rukavina appointed to ONTC review committee (from North Bay Nugget)
Feb 14 Time to Move On (Adams mine) (from North Bay Nugget)
Jan 29 Highway 11 traffic rolls through Latchford (from North Bay Nugget)
Jan 28 Opening of temporary bridge at Latchford capturing praise in Timmins and district (from Timmins Daily Press )
Jan 17 Work begins on temporary bridge at Latchford (from Timmins Daily Press with thanks to Paul Schiratti)
Jan 16 Ontario Northland Railway announced it will provide a special train service between Temagami
and New Liskeard, beginning Monday.
Jan 15 Latchford: Highway 11 Bridge closed Hwy. 11 bridge problems threaten major detours for months (from Timmins Daily Press )
Dec 19 ON proposed purchase by CN worries union Locals (from Temiskaming Speaker )
Dec 10 ISG sends proposal to MPP (from North Bay Nugget)
Dec 5 Northeastern Smart Growth Panel support aim of Adams Mine proponent (from Temiskaming Speaker )
Nov 30 Gallery update. New pics from James Lalande, AJM Landry, Gene Albert, David Westaway, and Arnold McKale.
Nov 29 Northerners have reason to worry (from North Bay Nugget)
Nov 27 CN cuts worry ONTC unions (from North Bay Nugget)
Nov 26 650 children get to visit North Pole (from North Bay Nugget)
Nov 25 Burrows has mayors on the right track (from Timmins Daily Press )
Nov 23 Mayors demand to know more about CN’s plans for Northlander (from Timmins Daily Press )
Nov 23 CN reveals plans for Ontario Northland (from TheStar.com )
Nov 19 Santa Express rolls into town (from Northern Daily News )
Nov 19 Just noticed this on ONTC site : INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS Sale of Ontario Northland Properties
Nov 7 ONTC Annual Report for 2000 now available online (Thanks to Lloyd Leonard)
Nov 5 Ontario Northland employees outraged their bid to take over railway snubbed (from Timmins Daily Press )
Nov 4 Labour invited to CN talks (from North Bay Nugget)
Oct 26 ONTelcom talking to buyer (from North Bay Nugget)
Oct 24 Official ONTC site updated after 16 months :) ONTARIO LAUNCHES NEXT STAGE IN ONTC SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN (from ONTC)
Oct 23 ONTC office not slated to close (from North Bay Nugget)
Oct 22 Say goodbye to ONTC – union (from North Bay Nugget)
Oct 21 CN bid 'not a done deal' (from North Bay Nugget)
Oct 21 CN, province must commit to keeping jobs (from North Bay Nugget)
Oct 21 CN's plan for ONTC gets mixed reviews (from Timmins Daily Press )
Oct 19 CN negotiating for ONR(from North Bay Nugget)
Oct 19 Al McDonald Breaks his Word and Sells Out North Bay (from Canada NewsWire)
Oct 19 No deal? Ontario Northland General Chairpersons' Association(from Canada NewsWire)
Oct 18 Ontario launches next stage in ONTC service improvement plan(from Canada NewsWire)
Oct 18 Its official (well almost). CN has exclusive rights to make a purchase of the ONR from the Ontario Government. Pending some final negotiations, CN expects to close the deal by year end.( Full Press Release)
Oct 8 Students In "One Of a Kind" Experience and Historic Event (from Canada NewsWire)
Sept 1 ONTC train crews vote for strike (from North Bay Nugget)
Jul 8 Forestry companies encouraged by rail line expansion
proposal
(from Northern Ontario Business)
Jul 7 The federal government in June again contributed $2.5M to ensure passenger service on Ontario Northland between Toronto and North Bay for another year. This has been a yearly routine since 1996. "This funding will ensure the continuation of passenger rail service while ONTC explores various options for this service as part of its Service Improvement Strategy," said Transport Minister David Collenette.
Jun 14 Announcement unlikely from ONTC's directors (from North Bay Nugget)
Jun 14 Magnesium-talc find could result in 80 new mining jobs in Timmins (from Timmins Daily Press via egroups)
June 4 Crews clean up derailed freight cars(from Northern Ontario Business)
May 28 ONRH&TS presents GMD Vertical Grilles!
Apr 17 ONTC jobs dominate debate (from North Bay Nugget)
Apr 12 North getting needed break (from Timmins Daily Press)
Mar 18 ONTC jobs vital - union (from North Bay Nugget)
Mar 10 Mayors launch ONTC postcard campaign (from North Bay Nugget)
Mar 8 CN officially submits bid for ONR. No details available, as details of all bids are confidential.
Mar 1 Gallery update: 2 shots of 2000 during her test run, and a shot of 701 after restoration. (Thanks to Arnold McKale)
Feb 27 United ONTC front in the works(from North Bay Nugget)
Feb 26 Police probe second truck-train crash in two weeks (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 25 Don't desert the North(from North Bay Nugget)
Feb 22 Provincial politician speaks on concerns about ONTC(from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 18 Matheson truck-train crash remains under investigation (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 14 Mayor needs to show leadership(from North Bay Nugget)
Feb 13 Update Truck collides with train # 207(from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 13 Mayor under fire over ONTC(from North Bay Nugget)
Feb 12 SD75 2101 collided with a truck in the Timmins area today. No further details available at this time. (Thanks to James Lalande via egroup)
Feb 11 Province won't look at ONTC business proposal (from Timmins Daily Press)
Jan 29 ONTelcom enters local market(from North Bay Nugget)
Jan 12 Garbage plan scuttled, mayor still hopeful (from Northern Ontario Business)
Jan 10 ONTC needs the support shown Cents(from North Bay Nugget)
Jan 2 Happy New Year!
Dec 27 Moose Cree First Nation to bid for ONR? Cree band looking to land the big one
Dec 17 Ontario Northland seeks bids for rail freight operation (from Timmins Daily Press)
Dec 16 Gallery Update. Check out the Santa Claus express shot!
Dec 15 Due to an increase in traffic, and some other enhancements being worked on, the site has been moved to a new host. Please report any problems. -Neil
Dec 3 Santa Claus Express Derailment On Kap Sub(Thanks to Mike Robin via egroup)
Dec 3 Harris defends record on Toronto waste issue (from North Bay Nugget)
Nov 26 Mayors back Internal Solutions Group (from North Bay Nugget)
Nov 26 Santa Claus doesn’t disappoint in annual train ride to North Pole (from North Bay Nugget)
Nov 22 Harris urged to save $600-million waste industry (from North Bay Nugget)
Nov 16 Adams Mine plan back in spotlight (from North Bay Nugget)
Nov 13 New gallery additions.
Nov 8 Northerners reporting they're not giving up fight to save rail service (from Timmins Daily Press)
Nov 7 Yesterday's southbound "Northlander" collided with a car near Stouffville (Mile 31, Bala sub). Two die after train hits car (from Toronto Star )
Nov 7 It's the final nail in ONTC coffin, politicians say (from Timmins Daily Press)
Nov 6 Internal Solution Group formally submitted its business plan to ONTC Commission Chair Royal Poulin.
Nov 4 Rumour has it that 4 of the SD40-2 units are up for sale, and the remaining 3 will be overhauled and rebuilt - including new paint jobs! (Thanks to James Lalande)
Nov 4 New interactive map added, which includes subdivision details (only Temagami sub added so far). Also new additions to gallery.
Oct 21 Gallery Overhaul: now divided into sections.
Oct 15 Investigators point to track, turnover, and training in
Temagami spill
(from Temiskaming Speaker)
Oct 14 New photo (courtesy of Chris VanderHeide)
Oct 3 Poor training, maintenance blamed for acid rail spill(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Sep 17 Task force to submit ONTC plan (from Timmins Daily Press)
Sep 4 Enouy fights hard for project (from Kirkland Lake Gazette)
Aug 28 Author of "Northern Connection, Nip. U. prof Surtees dead at 60(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Aug 12 Ontario Northland employees at Cochrane inn ratify contract (from Timmins Daily Press)
Aug 10 ONTC shopping for potential rail buyers - Posting going up this week on government Web site(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jul 24 MPP asks citizens to save train (from Timmins Daily Press)
Jul 10 Regular service resumes after train derailment(from Temiskaming Speaker)
Jul 4 Probe continues into Ontario Northland derailment (from Timmins Daily Press)
Jul 3 Derailment leaves 20 cars off track(from Timmins Daily Press)
Jul 3 Twenty-two cars from an Ontario Northland freight train derailed in a farmer's field late Monday night just south of Thornloe. (Why is it everytime I go on vacation there is a derailment?)
Jun 30 Northlander train has erratic schedule but also a bar car(from National Post)
Jun 21 Ottawa grants $2.5 million to help keep Northlander on track(from Timmins Daily Press)
Jun 21 Northlander not derailed yet — Harris Federal funds an extension of existing program(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jun 20 Feds cough up Northlander funds - Too little to keep train rolling (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jun 19 New Trash Plan Would Force T.O. To Go Organic(from GlobalTV)
Jun 18 GOVERNMENT OF CANADA PROVIDES FUNDING
TO CONTINUE NORTHERN ONTARIO PASSENGER SERVICE
(from Transport Canada )
June 8 O.N.Telcom Announces New Customer Service Facility in Timmins (from ONTC)
June 5 Tourism could be new role for Northlander (from Timmins Daily Press)
June 5 NOTICE "Little Bear" Passenger Train Service Cochrane - Moosonee Schedule Change(from ONTC)
June 3 ONRH&TS convention is coming up soon! June 15/16
June 1

Ontario Northland Bus Services announces some enhancements to its products and services.(from ONTC)
May 22 Request for Expressions of Interest In O.N.Tel Inc. (from ONTC)
May 14 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS To Operate the Cochrane Station Inn in Cochrane, Ontario (from ONTC)
Apr 24 Saudino commends Northerners for taking stand at Queens Park (from Timmins Daily Press)
Apr 24 MP claims Harris derailing Northlander (from Timmins Daily Press)
Apr 21 Rally a surprise — Harris(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Apr 21 Northerners return home (from Timmins Daily Press)
Apr 21 Survival Express passengers steaming over Lims actions (from Timmins Daily Press)
Apr 20 Survival Express passengers thrilled to be a major part of history in the making (from Timmins Daily Press)
Apr 20 Rolling rally makes noise - But premier wasn't around to hear ONTC anti-privatization protest(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Apr 20 Protesters seek to derail Harris train privatization (from Toronto Star)
Apr 19 Survival Express taking Northerners to rally in Toronto (from Timmins Daily Press)
Apr 18 Effort to save ONTC on track for Toronto rally - North Bay considers request as Northlander leaves station(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Apr 18 Timmins grants $5,000 to Survival Express (from Timmins Daily Press)
Apr 17 Survival Express tickets offered for free (from Timmins Daily Press)
Apr 12 City 'off track' on Survival Express - $17,000 'isn't a lot' considering what's at stake, organizer says(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Apr 7 NEOMA Emergency Task Force Media Release(Thanks to Mike Robin)
Apr 7 Keeping the 'Crown' in ONTC (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Apr 1 No April Fool's day prank this year. After last year's ironic joke......(Check the news archive if you don't remember)
Apr 1 Gallery update! Thanks to Jim McInnes, A.J.M Landry, and Karel de Rooij.
Mar 31 ONTC cutting 'eyes and ears' (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Mar 31 Hornet Lake derailment report almost ready (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Mar 28 Northeastern Ontario mayors hope to find a way to stop sale of ONTC operations(from Temiskaming Speaker )
Mar 28 Kidd cutting 121 jobs at Mine Site (from Timmins Daily Press)
Mar 27 Kidd production forecast reduced due to ground movement at Number 1 Mine (from Canada NewsWire )
Mar 26 Rival politicians form tag team to fight ONTC privatization (from Timmins Daily Press)
Mar 23 Firm clings to trash plan, says Adams Mine bid dead (from Globe and Mail)
Mar 21 Wood fights for subsidy (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Mar 21 Mine plan still alive – proponent (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Mar 17 ONTC Board to Implement Service Improvement Strategy (from ontc.com, posted Mar 16 but dated Feb 2?)
Mar 12 Gallery update! First of a series from the Karel de Rooij collection. Thanks to David Shortt, Mike Robin, and Karel de Rooij.
Mar 7 Adams Mine link to U.S. (from Toronto Star)
Mar 7 Michigan balks over garbage (from Toronto Star)
Mar 5 Municipal organization wants ONTC board to be replaced (from Temiskaming Speaker )
Mar 5 Northern Telephone 'definitely interested,' in O.N. Telcom (from Kapuskasing Times )
Feb 26 Municipal group tells Harris ONTC reps should represent Northern Ontario (from Kapuskasing Times )
Feb 24 Big Gallery update! Thanks to Frank Vollhardt, James Lalande, Ryan Schoenfeldt,Bill Vezina and A.J.M Landry.
Feb 22 Sighting: SD40-2 1734 as part of an eastbound CN consist, Pickering.
Feb 22 Premier denies pushing Adams Mine project (from Toronto Star)
Feb 21 Wondering if you're at the right place? Yep, this is the new design. Feedback is welcome.
Feb 21 Added Developing the North to the links section.
Feb 20 Timmins to rally against ONTC privatization (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 19 ONTC board should be replaced, mayors say (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 13 Saudino wants ONTC business plan (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 9 Northlander back on track after derailment (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 9 McGuinty optimistic on garbage proposal (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Feb 8 Northland derailment adds to train's woes (from National Post )
Feb 8 ONTC task force tight lipped after meeting (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 8 Northlander back on track today – ONTC (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Feb 8 Regular GO service resumes this morning (from Toronto Star)
Feb 7 GO Train service from Richmond Hill cancelled for at least two days (from National Post )
Feb 7 Derailment near Pottery Road may cause delays (from Globe and Mail)
Feb 7 Passenger train derails in Toronto - Train derails by Don River - Derailment disrupts morning GO service - GO aims to restore rush hour trains (from Toronto Star)
Feb 7 Northlander derails (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 5 Ontario Northland begins restructuring (from Globe and Mail)
Feb 5 Full steam ahead for ONTC changes (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 2 ‘Never say die’ — mine backer McGuinty will keep fighting for landfill site, foes applaud Toronto decision to dump plan (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Feb 2 Province determined to derail ONTC (from Timmins Daily Press)
Feb 1 Sighting: SD40-2 1736 on eastbound CN, Pickering. Could hardly tell it was ONR the paint was so bad......
Jan 31 CN to buy regional U.S. railroad (not directly ONR related) (from Globe and Mail)
Jan 31 Activists want Adams Mine dump plan buried (from Toronto Star)
Jan 31 Ministers ONTC stance draws the ire of Saudino (from Timmins Daily Press)
Jan 31 Adams Mine opponents fear reprieve - About 250 turn out to rally against mine proposal (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jan 23 Council to ask premier to delay privatization of Ontario Northland (from Timmins Daily Press)
Jan 22 Some ONTC Facts----Never mind the fiction by one who was there from 1991 to 1997 as ONTC chair (from Kapuskasing Times )
Jan 21 Gallery Update. Thanks to A.J.M Landry and Andreas Keller
Jan 13 Mayor didn't save mine deal, but Mike Harris might (from National Post )
Jan 12 Suitors come calling at ONR - U.S. company eyes rail freight division (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jan 11 ONTC on wrong track – former chairman (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jan 11 Northern mayors consider possibility of buying ONTel (from Timmins Daily Press)
Jan 10 Harris pledges to examine union proposal to save ONTC (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jan 8 Task force asks province to stop ONTC privatization (from Timmins Daily Press)
Jan 6 Toronto rules out Adams Mine (from Timmins Daily Press)
Jan 6 Unions fight to save Northlander (from Timmins Daily Press)
Jan 5 Life after garbage in Kirkland Lake (from Toronto Star)
Jan 5 Ontario Northland NOT for sale campaign website
Jan 5 Takeover option studied (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jan 5 ONTC ‘not for sale’ campaign proclaims - Supporters plan anti-privatization blitz (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jan 4 ONTC unions take fight to streets (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Jan 2 Check out this months trainscan news for an Ontario Northland feature.
Jan 2 Bay Street solutions don't work here (from Toronto Star)
Jan 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Dec 23 Ontario: Toronto garbage was vital to northern economy: Harris (from National Post )
Dec 23
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!
Dec 22 Gallery update. Thanks to A.J.M Landry
Dec 18 ONTC unions to pitch plan to premier to halt sell-off (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 18 Heading into history? What's to happen to the Northlander? (from Toronto Star)
Dec 15 Mayors, premier to discuss Northlander today – separately (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 14 ONTC on auction block – Hudak. Province will continue to provide operating subsidies, minister says(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 14 Province’s actions ‘betrayal’ – worker(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 14 Ailing rail service gets reprieve in plans for Ontario Northland - Commission told to find buyer or operator for freight trains (from Toronto Star)
Dec 13 Province could derail Northlander - Subsidized North Bay train a big money loser (from Toronto Star)
Dec 12 Private sector could offset possible job cuts at Ontario Northland: Harris (from Toronto Sun)
Dec 12 Northlander train may be nearing last run - news conference delayed due to weather (from Toronto Star)
Dec 12 Northlander given reprieve (?) Tim Hudak, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, has scheduled a news conference for this morning. (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 11 Sighting: SD40-2 #1734, Pickering. Second unit in a CN westbound.
Dec 11 Consultants ‘hijacked’ ONTC report, unions charge - Union leaders meet Hudak to sell plan(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 10 Moved old news to the News Archive page.
Dec 9 Gallery update. Pic of 1737 in Sterling Heights MI and 1301 at the head of mixed train 210 Thanks to Frank Lams and Frank Vollhardt
Dec 8 Official Ontario Northland Press Release, includes executive summary of KPMG report (from ONTC.com)
Dec 7 Northern rail service not dead yet (from Toronto Star)
Dec 7 ONTC names new president - Hutton replaces Wallace at helm (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 7 Civic leaders, unions take aim at ONTC report (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 6 Northlander train to Cochrane draws to halt after 98 years (from National Post )
Dec 5 ONTC on selling block? (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 5 North Bay Mayor wants mayors to meet to discuss report (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 5 Northern leaders’ reaction swift and harsh (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Dec 4 Employee newsletter explaining today's announcement. Thanks to James Lalande.
Dec 4 Its a sad day. I guess we all knew it was coming. "On the four o'clock news, recommendations to the ONTC to discontinue the Northlander with bus service, transfer/dispersal of freight services, and John Wallace is no longer head of the onr in North Bay." Will post further details as they become available. News supplied by James Lalande
Dec 3 Some new shots added to the gallery 1805, 205, and some old baby blue painted boxcars.
Dec 2 Santa Train, Cochrane edition. Departed at 9:30 am with units 1805, 210, 1800, 202 and approx 10 coaches.
Nov 25 Santa train, North Bay edition. Departed at 10:00am with 2104, 202, 1800, 210 and approx 10 coaches.
Nov 19 Wow! Another gallery update.
Nov 14 You wanted them, you got them! Check out some newly posted steam shots in the gallery!Thanks to Frank Vallhardt.
Nov 13 Another gallery update. Look for new shots from A.J.M. Landry and the webmaster himself.
Nov 5 Gallery update - some new boxcar shots! Thanks to James Lalande.
Nov 2 Old 503 rolls down track to new home(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Oct 29 Word on the street is there will be a big announcement in the coming weeks.......Maybe the fate of the Northlander? Stay tuned.
Oct 29 Added Mile262 and Sylvan Scale Models to links page.
Oct 28 T&NO #503 moved from Lee Park in North Bay. Thanks to James Lalande.
Oct 27 If you are visiting the Toronto Christmas Train Show this weekend, be sure to drop by the ONRH&TS (Ontario Northland Railway Historical & Technical Society) booth.
Oct 20 Toronto garbage deal scrapped (from Canadian Press via Canoe.com)
Oct 18 Issues unresolved – Rail Cycle North (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Oct 17 Gallery update "That time is coming to dust off those snowplows....." Thanks to James Lalande.
Oct 15 Redesigned Links page. Added new map.
Oct 12 Some new pics added. Check out this cool B&W shot of 2000.Thanks to A.J.M Landry
Oct 12 Its officially approved by Toronto council - Toronto to send garbage to northern Ontario Of course, now it depends on whether the federal government will call for another environmental assessment......
Oct 11 Track debris endangers ONR crews, MPP says (from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Oct 11

ontc.com updates (backdates?) their news page:
July 27 - Ontario Northland supports Adams Mine proposal
July 19 - The ONTC has retained KPMG Consulting to review operations
July 18 - Adams Mine Intervention Coalition intends to stage protest
June 26 - Hornet Lake remediation complete
June 9 - UTU and ONTC reach tentaive agreement
May 31 - 4 tankers derail north of Matheson

Oct 2 Gallery update! New rolling stock photos courtesy of James Lalande.
Oct 2 Check out the article on the Toronto garbage issue in this month's TrainScan
Sep 11 Gallery update! A rusty 1600 and Caboose 126 to round out the collection.
Aug 26 Adams Mine foes off to Europe Protest Toronto Olympic hopes for 2008 Games(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Aug 26 Mayors rally for railway - Northeastern municipal leaders champion ONR’s cause to province(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Aug 5 Garbage deal good for ONR, premier says. Could help passenger service, but railway must run in black.(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
Aug 2 Toronto garbage deal good news for ONTC(from North Bay Nugget via Canada.com)
July 16 "The onr line was reopened last night sat jul15th just shortly after 11:00pm EDT. Todays northbound#111 went up around 10:45pm with the following consist onr sd57i #2104/2101/2103/gp38-2#1809/sd75i #2102 and 72 cars. It went through the washout area nice a slow, so it was great for photos."Thanks to James Lalande.
July 14 Washout caused by beaver dam break at mile 12.6 . Line closed until Sunday, July 16.
July 8 Gallery pics. Thanks to James Lalande.
June 19 Sighting: SD40-2 1734 as part of a northbound CN consist at Gravenhurst.
June 15 Sighting: GP38-2 number 1800 and CN GP40-2w number 9674 in Hearst. Thanks to Steve
May 31 Another derailment!! ONR railcars with sulphuric acid derail
May 31 Gallery pics. Thanks to Frank Vollhardt.
May 26 ONTC bus drivers reject offer - Potential strike, lockout date June 4
May 18 Rail Cycle North bid picks up steam - Price may be only stumbling block, McGuinty says
May 14 Check out Mike Robin's ONR photo gallery. Lots of fresh paint shots.....
May 13 Gallery pics. Thanks to Pat & David Othen. Check out the Abitibi S4 shot.
May 12 Some ISP problems over the last week. New updates this weekend.
Apr 22 New boss at ONTC asks for time - Minister repeats his support for Royal Poulin
ONR unions satisfied improvement coming - Accountability still lacking
Northern mayors blast ONTC - Deteriorating track conditions spur calls for reorganization of commission
Apr 21 Northlander resumed service from North Bay to Cochrane Thursday evening.
Apr15 ONR focuses on helping Hornet Lake Three large platforms to be bases to treat contaminated water [Image]
ONR unions wait for Poulin, who waits to be confirmed
Apr 13 Worried union leaders fear track conditions on the Ontario Northland Railway compromise rail safety and place operating personnel at risk.
Apr 12 Track maintenance forces ONR to cancel passenger train service
Apr 11 Acid spill effects on Hornet Lake
Apr 9 Added a "Model Railroad" section. This is only a start, so any contributions/comments would be appreciated.......
Apr 1 BREAKING NEWS!!! Ontario Government to sell Ontario Northland Railway division!!!
Mar 30

Some back-dated news from official Ontario Northland site (these were posted on site Mar 30?):
Mar 20
Mar 16
Mar 15

Mar 29 Sighting: "Elkart, Indiana on Monday March 27,2000 . I sited SD40-2 [1737] in a consist on a Norfolk Southern train , bound for Chicago approx noon" Thanks to Tom Gaines
Mar 28 Railway cleanup on track- Focus on protecting environment from sulphuric acid spill, ONR official says
Northlander should resume service by the middle or end of the week.
Mar 26 Sighting: GP-38-2 1804 conected with GP-9 1605 with GP-38-2 1801 all the three engines are in Hearst. Thanks to Steve
Mar 24

Derailment Updates:
Cause of accident to be released and track to reopen Friday
Good weather aids cleanup of acid spill, train accident
Acid spilled from derailed train tank cars leaked into beaver pond
Chemical from derailed freight cars leaking into creek
Two rail cars leaking sulfuric acid after train derailment in northern Ontario

Mar 20 Sighting: FP7A 2001 with EGU 204 @ Union Station Toronto. Getting set to head north after the turn at Mimico.
Mar 20

New ONR discussion group hosted on egroups. Click here.
(Special greetings to the guys at the Toronto Train Show this past weekend: James, Mark, Doug & Jerry.)

Mar 14 Acid from freight cars leaking into creek "TEMAGAMI, Ont. (CP) - A highly-corrosive chemical leaked from two of at least 19 rail cars that derailed into a creek Tuesday evening just south of this northern Ontario community. Fifty of the 51 Ontario Northland Railway tanker cars were carrying undiluted sulphuric acid when the train went off the tracks in a remote area about six kilometres south of Temagami, police said. Neither the train's engineer, Glen Hay, nor the conductor, Brian Hager, was injured in the accident that police say happened when a bridge over the creek gave out. Officials could not immediately say whether the leaking chemicals posed any danger to the area's environment, which includes protected wilderness, or residents of the nearby town. The acid is highly corrosive and its fumes can be harmful to breathe. The site of the derailment, about two kilometres from the highway, is accessible only by train, said Sgt. Dan Owca, with the North Bay provincial police detachment. Owca said the track, which runs north through Cochrane to Moosonee, is likely to be closed for at least a week. Temagami is 130 kilometres north of North Bay."
Mar 8 HOORAY!!! Northlander to Keep Running, New ONTC Chair Appointed Full Story (from ONTC News)
Mar 7 Heres a photo of SD40-2 1731 on the Union Pacific in Columbus Ohio!!! Thanks to Bill
Mar 7 "Startup problems at a new Agrium phosphate fertilizer plant are expected to hurt Agrium Inc.'s profits in the first half of this year. The fertilizer company, which uses about a million tonnes of phosphate rock a year, started up its Kapuskasing mine last year to save US$33-million a year. The savings will mostly come from reduced transportation costs as the raw product was formerly imported from Africa. Agrium has experienced production problems at its mine and is having to supplement its supply of Canadian ore with additional African rock. To date the mine has been producing at lower rates since day one with shipments averaging about 10 loads a day, which was the startup design capacity. Final rates will be 30 to 40 loads a day taken to Hearst, the Algoma Central Railway will then take it to Oba where it will be made into 90 to 100 car trains for final delivery to Redwater, Alberta. This is interesting from a rail perspective in that this mine and the expected shipments were one of the determining factors that prompted the ONR to purchase it's SD75s. The phosphate trains, were, to take a Kapuskasing-Hearst (ONR)-Oba (ACR)-Edmonton (CN)-Redwater (RA Lakeland & Waterways) route, in simple terms."(from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Mar 7 "The waiting continues for Rail Cycle North. The company has submitted a bid to transport Toronto garbage for disposal in the former Adam's mine in northern Ontario. The public works committee which will decide upon the garbage issue had stated that bids for transportation and disposal must be made separately and the Rail Cycle North bid did not conform to those rules. Rail Cycle North subsequently altered its 11-year-old proposal to haul Toronto's garbage to an abandoned mine site in Kirkland Lake. The Toronto public works committee has set a deadline of June to name the winner of a contract which goes into effect January 1, 2002, when the Keele landfill site prepares to close. There were five active proposals, two each from Michigan and southwestern Ontario and the fifth from Rail Cycle North." (from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Mar 5 Sighting: " Ontario Northland SD40-2 # 1731 was spotted at Union Pacific's Council Bluffs, Iowa locomotive service facility on Saturday 3/4/2000. This locomotive has been working between Council Bluffs and Grand Island, Nebraska for the past few weeks. ONR units 1730,1731,1733 and 1737 were last noted as being leased to Norfolk Southern. So it's hard to say if the other three are roaming the U.P. system at present. U.P.'s public trace doesn't indicate any of these four ONR units on their system." Thanks to Darrell Wendt
Mar 5 New gallery Photos: vintage Steam 1100!(Thanks to Frank Vollhardt); we now have pictures of the whole 2100 series! (Thanks to James Lalande)
Feb 28 New photo: A jade green coloured 1402?
Feb 20 Sighting: "ON #1731 is today at Columbus, Nebraska, USA, on the Union Pacific Railroad. I would guess that it has been leased by the Union Pacific for a term as it looks to be assigned to local service (along with CP #5789)." Thanks to Bill.
Feb 20 Check out the 1967 timetable! gallery.
Feb 19 Various site format changes. New photos in gallery.
Feb 6 New links and photos.
Feb 1 18 images! Check out the gallery.
Jan 22 Site relocated. Hopefully speed will be faster now.
Jan 5 "On December 14, members of the Associated Railway Union voted 86 per cent in favour of a contract deal with Ontario Northland. Voting took place in North Bay and in Englehart. Company workers will receive retroactive pay increases, pension improvements, and extended health care benefits. Service had been disrupted since 600 striking workers set up picket lines on December 11. Train service was expected to return to normal as early as December 15."(from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Dec 22 Sighting:"ONR GP38-2 number 1802 and 1801 at Hearst. 1801 was sporting the new O.N. Rail paint scheme." Thanks to Steve Lachance
Dec New pictures added to gallery
Dec "Ontario Northland announces tentative agreement. NORTH BAY - - Ontario Northland announced today that a tentative agreement has been reached with the Associated Railway Unions (ARU), representing eight bargaining units. Terms and conditions of the tentative agreement will be provided to the union members at meetings this evening and tomorrow, for a ratification vote by the union membership. Pending ratification, every effort will be made to return to normal operations as quickly as possible. Northlander operations are expected to resume on Thursday, December 16th. Ontario Northland would like to express its appreciation for the understanding and patience shown by customers." ONTC News
Dec " TORONTO (CP) -- The union representing railway workers at Ontario Northland has set a Saturday strike deadline. The Associated Railway Unions announced Thursday their members would walk out at one minute past midnight tonight. "Friday's Northlander train is going to be cancelled but it is going to be replaced by buses so that people who are looking to travel will still be able to get to their destinations," said Judy Cardoni, Ontario Northland spokeswoman. The Northlander provides service between Cochrane, Ont., and Toronto. There is connecting shuttle bus service to the northern Ontario communities of Timmins, Iroquois Falls, Smooth Rock Falls, Kapuskasing, and Hearst. In the event of a strike, modified Little Bear service will be maintained on the mixed freight-passenger train between Cochrane and Moosonee, Cardoni said. Negotiations were to continue today but neither Ontario Northland nor the union would say what issues were standing the way of an agreement."
Dec 10 Sighting:"ONR GP38-2 number 1806 and 1808 at Hearst on the 10th of december". Thanks to Steve
Dec Guess we know why the paint on the SD40-2's was not being maintained......"Ontario Northland SD40-2's 1730, 1731, 1733, and 1737 have been leased to the Norfolk Southern; with the arrival of the new SD75s on the ONR the SD40's are now surplus to requirements." (from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Dec "Ontario's Minister of Northern Development and Mines recently avoided questions in the provincial legislature about possible subsidies to keep the faltering Northlander passenger rail service running between Toronto and North Bay Ontario. Previously Ontario Premier Mike Harris had said it's up to passengers to save the train from being mothballed or downgraded. A passenger rail service review committee, headed by former Kirkland Lake mayor Joe Mavrinac, recommended the Northlander either be shut down and replaced with buses, or reduced to three-day-a-week service. Ontario Northland, a provincial Crown corporation, says it's losing about C$5 million annually because of declining ridership." (from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Dec "Algoma Central is negotiating a contract to haul phosphate from a new mine near Kapuskasing. Ontario Northland would carry the cargo to Hearst. Algoma would move it to Oba for transfer to the CNR mainline. The CNR in turn would haul the phosphate to customers in Alberta. " (from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Nov "Ontario Northland employees are still trying to reach a contract settlement. In September 1999 they voted 92 percent in favour of strike action to back their contract demands. The tradespeople and clerical staff are members of the Associated Railway union; and their contract expired last December. The union and management met with a conciliator last week. The union said it could take a month to hear back from the conciliator. In the meantime the employees are willing to continue to negotiate; but they haven't yet heard from the company. The main issues are pensions,wages and benefits. " (from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Nov "Ontario Northland Railway union representatives are pleading to the province of Ontario to help save the Northlander passenger train service which operates six days a week from Cochrane to Toronto. The union said that 100 full-time positions are at stake, if the train is cancelled. The Northlander train has been losing money for many years. A rail review committee is recommending either cancelling the train altogether or running fewer trains each week with the help of government subsidies. Ontario Northland's board is now examining the various options and will present them to the provincial government sometime in November. " (from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Oct 17 Sighting: "....1731 with 1733 sandwiched between CN 5513+5643 and CN 4101 turning westbound from the southbound CN Bala Sub onto the westbound CN York Sub towards MacMillan Yard. They were in terrible paint condition..." Thanks to Christian B.
Oct "A consultant hired by the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission has proposed three alternatives to the current six days a week railway passenger service between Cochrane and Toronto. The best of these is dropping the train to a three times per week service; other alternatives call for replacement with buses or a combined bus-train schedule with rail involved for only part of the journey. It is clear the "powers that be" have decreed the way to go is the highway, regardless of it's cost and dangers. At a recent public meeting on this, Transport 2000 Ontario proposed that before assuming the losses on the train were significant to examine the complete profit and loss statement for Highway 11/400, including capital and borrowing costs for the ongoing improvements. The consultant made it clear that Ontario will spend any amount of taxpayer money rather than operate a passenger train. A Transport 2000 brief calling for expansion of rail passenger service to give some choices to riders, proper intermodality and an expansion of parcel/courier business was ignored by the consultant." (from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Oct "An Ontario Northland freight train operating on a former CN subdivison now owned and operated by ONR derailed east of Kapuskasing; in the tiny community of Gregroire Mills during the afternoon of Sept. 9, 1999. Nine boxcars derailed, spilling several tonnes of rolled newsprint and wood products. Constable Henry Olivieri of the Kapuskasing OPP says there was no threat to the environment, or local residents. Ontario Northland work crews are on the scene trying to restore service. Service resumed some 24 hours later." (from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Sept 29 Sighting: SD40-2 1737 as part of eastbound CN consist, near Pickering
Sept Steam Roster updated.
Sept Roster information added. Do you have anything extra to add?
Aug First SD75I pic now available!
Aug "The Ontario Northland had a 12-car derailment 18.2 miles north of Englehart, during the first week of August 1999. CN train 451 August 2 with units CN SD75I 5743, SD40-2 5392, SD50F 5425 was detoured via Oba, Wisconsin Central (ACR) at Hearst, then to the ONR. The ONR derailment was cleared within one or two days." (from Bryce Lee's Canada Calling)
Aug Ontario Northland track maintenance employees rejected a deal that included a shortened work week or pay cut.
Aug Ontario Northland clerical workers ratified an agreement that included a shortened work week.
Aug Ontario Northland mechanical workers are on strike.
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All contents and photos ©1999 by Neil Stabler except where noted.