ONTC to refurbish the Polar Bear Express

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Nipissing MPP, the Honourable Monique Smith, was joined by Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) Chair Ted Hargreaves along with President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Goulet to advise the ONTC staff of the approval of funding for the refurbishment of the Polar Bear Express.

The refurbishment will dramatically improve the travelling experience for residents and visitors.

The project involves the complete refurbishment of the Polar Bear Express cars, and is worth approximately $10 million dollars. The project will result in the existing workforce having work for approximately four months.

Refurbishment of 10 coaches will involve the removal of four coaches at a time from service for a complete overhaul. They will be replaced in-service by leased coaches. The coaches currently in use are 45 years old and have deteriorated significantly. The project will begin in September.

The Polar Bear Express is a vital link connecting Moosonee and Moose factory and James Bay communities with Cochrane and other southern destinations.

The First Nation Community of Mushkegowuk has been calling for repairs to the Polar bear Express for months. The entire Northeast corridor will benefit from this upgrade and the work that it brings.

Local suppliers and retailers should also realize some spin-off economic benefits from this business opportunity.

“As part of a three-pronged approach, this is an important first step, which will allow the workforce to continue, as we put in place other contracts. We will also be developping a strategic alliance with other government agencies, starting with an initial meeting between the Chair of Metrolinx and the Chair of the ONTC,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “While this does not resolve all of the challenges created by the loss of the Metrolinx contract, it does provide a first step. It provides work for our workforce and much needed upgrades and improvements to the Polar Bear Express.

“This project is a positive response to continued requests for improvements, including those received during face to face meetings with Grand Chief Stan Louttit of Mushkegowuk Tribal Council,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

"Refurbishing the Polar Bear Express coaches reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining essential passenger services in Northeastern Ontario,” said Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Transportation.

"Ontario Northland is extremely pleased with the announcement today of new work to refurbish the Polar Bear Express passenger cars. Once complete, the refurbishment of the ten coaches will provide a significant service upgrade to First Nations people and customers travelling to and from the lower James Bay coastal region as well as to provide much needed work for our remanufacturing division," said Paul Goulet, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

QUICK FACTS

• The province is providing $10 million over two years to support this initiative.

• Refurbished coaches will have an expected life of 15 years.

• Ridership on the PBX in 2010-11 was approximately 65000 passengers.

• Ontario Northland's Polar Bear Express connects residents of the coastal communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory to Cochrane. It is one of North America's last remaining "flag-stop" train services.

• In June, Ontario had an increase of more than 40,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.7 percent.

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