Ontario Northland Extends Northlander Service To Porquis Junction

NORTH BAY, ON, Nov. 23 /CNW/ - Ontario Northland is pleased to announce that beginning December 15, 2010, its Northlander passenger train will now offer train service to the residents of the Town of Iroquois Falls.  The new stop will be located at 1004 Rese Road, site of the former Porquis Junction train station.

"We are very pleased to extend our Northlander train service to our passengers in the Iroquois Falls area," commented Paul Goulet, President and CEO of Ontario Northland.  "We are continually evaluating our operations to see how we can best meet the needs and support the development of our communities in Northeastern Ontario in a fiscally responsible manner."

The Town of Iroquois Falls has been extremely supportive of this return of passenger service to its community.  A shelter will be provided by the Town at the Porquis Junction Station for the comfort and convenience of passengers. 

"The Town of Iroquois Falls is very pleased with the cooperation, support and commitment of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission to re-establish the service in our community for the benefit of our residents. The train stop in Porquis Junction was discontinued in 1996 so we are glad to see it restored," said Mayor Gilles Forget.

The Porquis Junction Station will be a flag stop location, which means that the train will only stop if passengers are visible on the station platform or, if passengers on the train have advised that their final destination is Porquis Junction. 

Ontario Northland's Northlander passenger train travels daily, except Saturdays, between Cochrane and Toronto, return, with many stops along the way.  The train will stop at the Porquis Junction Station at the following times:

• Southbound: Cochrane 8:00 am → Porquis Junction 8:25 am → North Bay 1:25 pm → Toronto 7:15 pm
• Northbound: Toronto  8:40am →  North Bay 2:05pm→ Porquis Junction 6:55 pm → Cochrane 7:25 pm

Previously, residents of the Iroquois Falls area were required to travel to or from Matheson, approximately 30 kilometres away, in order to access train service.  With the introduction of this new, more convenient service, Ontario Northland will discontinue its shuttle service, which had transported passengers from Iroquois Falls to Matheson to connect with the Northlander, effective December 15, 2010.

Ontario Northland

Ontario Northland, an Agency of the Province of Ontario, was established in 1902 and is a recognized leader in promoting sustainable economic growth by establishing and operating transportation and telecommunication links primarily in Northeastern Ontario.     With more than 1,000 employees who live and work in the North, Ontario Northland, and the economic activity it stimulates, has a dramatic impact in the region.

For further information:

Media Inquiries

Rolly Cote, Town of Iroquois Falls, 705.232.2651.

Beverly Martin, Ontario Northland, 705.472.4500 or 1.800.363.7512 ext. 265, cell 705.845.8884.