GCA to commemorate the ONR’s last spike anniversary today

ONTC General Chairperson's Association
News Release

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The General Chairperson's Association (GCA) representing unionized employees at Ontario Northland will be hosting an employee BBQ event at 12:00 pm (noon) Monday July 15th at the North Bay Repair Shops, 915 McIntyre St. East, to commemorate the Ontario Northland Railway’s “last spike” which occurred on July 15, 1932.


A number of northern dignitaries have been invited to attend including North Bay Mayor Al McDonald, Timmins James Bay MP Charlie Angus, Timiskaming Cochrane MPP John Vanthof and others.

Since its inception in 1902, the ONTC, then known as the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway Commission has grown from a freight rail service to include, passenger train and motor coach services, telecommunication and internet, rail coach refurbishment as well as providing hotel services at the Cochrane Station inn.

"The ONTC has become a key social and economic development driver in northern Ontario since its creation by the Liberal Government in 1902, transporting people, materials, products and now digital data to markets all over the world" said GCA spokesperson Brian Kelly.

"It is remarkable that 81 years ago Monday, that the last spike was struck at the ONTC linking the northern most parts of the province with the south and beyond", added Kelly.

"The GCA is hopeful that the Wynne government has come to understand the strategic and vital economic importance of the ONTC for the North and will work with the GCA to develop a long term business plan to grow and revitalize Ontario Northland at the same time keeping the Crown Agency whole and in public hands", concluded Kelly.

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