The Northlander Passenger Rail project is a provincial initiative that will enhance connection between northern and southern Ontario through modern, accessible rail infrastructure. EllisDon is a key construction partner in this project, responsible for stop improvements, including new platforms along the corridor, in addition to building a new Timmins-Porcupine Station.

Strengthening Civil East’s Infrastructure Legacy

On the heels of the Musquodoboit Bridge project in Timmins, Ontario, the Northlander project represents another milestone for EllisDon Civil East.

“Civil East was established with an ambitious mandate to build a permanent civil footprint across eastern Canada,” said Derek Love, Senior Vice President & Area Manager, Civil East & Looby Construction, EllisDon. “Winning the first package of the Northlander project for station improvements north of North Bay—and now expanding to the construction of the new Timmins-Porcupine Station is a major milestone. It’s a clear example of how we consistently show up for our clients—with trust, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.”

It also serves as a blueprint for how we scale: by integrating deep technical expertise with local insight, and by collaborating seamlessly with our peers to deliver holistic, community-focused solutions. This model has already enabled the mobilization of our people, the formation of new partnerships, and the demonstration of our self-perform capabilities in regions where EllisDon’s civil presence was previously limited. As we look ahead, our work on the Northlander Passenger Rail project helps position Civil East to take on future projects with confidence—bringing the same level of excellence, agility, and community impact to every opportunity that follows.

Reconnecting Ontario, One Stop at a Time

The Northlander rail corridor will span 16 stops from Timmins to Union Station in Toronto, including a connecting link to Cochrane and the existing Polar Bear Express passenger train, which travels from Cochrane to Moosonee. Once in service, the Northlander will support northern industries and the resource sector and provide northerners with a safe, convenient and accessible transportation option.

For many communities along the corridor, this initiative improves access to essential services—employment, education, healthcare—and reestablishes vital connections to the broader provincial transportation network. It is an example of infrastructure serving as a catalyst for regional growth. It embodies EllisDon’s core values: building for people, building with purpose, and building for the future.

A New Chapter with ONTC

The successful award of Northlander stop improvements — encompassing station platform reconstruction, prefabricated shelter installation, and supporting infrastructure — demonstrates EllisDon’s ability to deliver complex, multi-site infrastructure across a vast and varied geography.

The new Timmins–Porcupine Station is a flagship development as the northern terminus for the Northlander service. It symbolizes renewed investment in regional transit and long-term connectivity. The stops throughout the corridor represent critical touchpoints for communities that have long awaited the return of reliable passenger rail service.

This project sends a clear message: EllisDon is equipped to deliver and is deeply committed to long-term collaboration and meaningful community outcomes.