Hargreaves new ONTC chair Updated

Ted Hargreaves won’t be going into his new position cold.

The North Bay chartered accountant was appointed today as chairman of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission today by Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci.

He succeeds Royal Poulin, who has just completed a four-year term at the helm.

New growth period
Hargreaves said he has more than just passing knowledge of the ONTC.

“I was the commission’s auditor for probably a decade, although the file’s been out of my hands for the last year now,” Hargreaves said.

"But to be appointed commissioner is very exciting because the ONTC has entered a new growth period, and now it's all about building the North and creating prosperity and jobs here."

One major issue
Hargreaves's appointment coincides with the recent acquisition of two major refurbishment contracts by the Ontario Northland Railway, and an alliance between ONTel and Telus.

As well the ONR has purchased 10 cars from the former BC Rail Pacific Starlight dinner train, which will be used to enhance passenger service on the Little Bear, the Polar Bear and the Northlander.

But at least one major issue remains unresolved: governance.
The ONTC has been without a president since the departure of John Wallace in December, 2000.

"It's one of the orders of business to be dealt with," Hargreaves said, adding not much can be done until new commission members are in place to replace those whose terms will be expiring in the next little while.

Coming together
Hargreaves says he hopes to visit ONTC operations next week.
In the meantime he's being briefed and brought up to speed, he said.

"It has been a trying time for the ONTC over the last three or four years and it has gone through a lot of challenges and issues," Hargreaves said.

"But right now a lot of things are coming together at the right time, and that means new opportunities for North Bay and Northeastern Ontario.

Deeply committed
Bartolucci said Hargreaves brings "rich" business and community service experience to the post, "which will serve him well as he leads the Ontario Northland through one of its most important periods."

“Ted is a Northerner who is deeply committed to strengthening the economic and social foundations of his community and whose appointment is another step toward revitalizing and reinvigorating operations at Ontario Northland," Bartolucci said.

Brian Stevens, president of CAW Local 103, which represents over 450 bargaining unit members at Ontario Northland, said he was “delighted” to learn of Hargreaves appointment.

“Keep the good news coming,” Stevens said.
"Ted is a champion of the North and always has been. He comes with great credentials, and we’ll all be well-served with him as chairman. The CAW leadership is very much looking forward to meeting and working with Ted in the coming months, to build a better ONTC and bring growth opportunities to the North."

Second to none
Hargreaves, a managing partner with the chartered accounting firm of BDO Dunwoody in Sudbury and North Bay since 1986, has over 25 years of experience in public accounting and is a former Kinsmen Club citizen of the year.

His volunteer and community service to the North Bay area spans over three decades, including currently serving as member of the Canadore College board of governors, as well as in numerous other volunteer capacities over the years. He has been described by his peers as a very special individual and an outstanding ambassador to Northern Ontario.

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith said she's "thrilled" to have worked closely with Bartolucci to appoint appointment Hargreaves as ONTC chairman.

"The knowledge and energy that Ted brings to this position is second to none," Smith said.

"It's an exciting time for the ONTC, with a bright future and a team that is willing to work together for the common goal of a prosperous ONTC."

In public hands
The government, Bartolucci said, recently affirmed its intention to keep Ontario Northland in public hands and directed the ONTC to develop a long-term strategy aimed at protecting jobs, and securing services that are competitive, safe, reliable and responsive to customers, residents and businesses.

“Ted will play a pivotal role in helping the McGuinty government deliver on its commitment to bring real, positive change to the ONTC so that it may drive economic and community development opportunities for the region, while providing efficient, competitive services,” Bartolucci said.

“I would also like to sincerely thank Royal Poulin for his dedicated service and tireless efforts as chair of ONTC during the past four years.”