Support urged as Beaverton seeks approval for Northlander train stop

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Passenger rail advocates in Brock Township are feeling optimistic after what Mayor Mike Jubb described as a “very positive” meeting with senior officials from Ontario Northland regarding a proposed Northlander stop in Beaverton.

In an update shared with residents, Mayor Jubb said a meeting was recently held with the Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland following discussions with Laurie Scott at Queen’s Park. The meeting included the Northlander CEO, the organization’s manager of communications, and staff from the Region of Durham.

“We were advised we are the only municipality which has put ink to paper to show the thorough business case for a train stop in Beaverton,” Mayor Jubb told The Standard.

Although the province is proceeding with the Northlander’s initial phase featuring 16 stops, Mayor Jubb said Ontario Northland officials indicated they will begin researching additional proposed stops later this year and into next year.

“We were advised they will be in contact with us as we move through these next steps,” he said. “I remain very confident a stop will be approved in the very near future.”

The Northlander passenger rail service is set to return after being cancelled in 2012, ending more than a decade without the service. Passenger rail service to Beaverton itself ended in 1990, but Brock Township has spent several years advocating for its return, arguing it would provide an important transportation link for residents, commuters, seniors, students, and tourists.

Under the current plan, three trains will service 16 stops between Timmins and Toronto, including new stations at Gormley and Langstaff that will connect passengers directly with the GO Transit network. The full trip from Timmins to Toronto is expected to take approximately 12 hours, with adult one-way fares ranging from about $140 to $180 depending on booking time.

Mayor Jubb is encouraging residents to continue voicing their support for the Beaverton proposal by contacting Scott’s office.

Community members say the return of passenger rail could provide significant benefits for the area.

“It would be huge for Beaverton and the surrounding communities,” said Beaverton resident Karen George. “Not everyone wants to drive into the city, especially in winter, and having a rail connection again would open up a lot of opportunities.”

Another resident, Sean Turner, said the proposal could help strengthen the local economy.

“A train stop would bring more people through town and make Beaverton more connected,” Mr. Turner said. “It feels like the community has been waiting a long time for this chance.”

Township officials say they will continue advocating for the stop as discussions with Ontario Northland move forward.