News Release
Rail Service Upgraded From Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury
September 10, 2009
McGuinty Government Supporting Strong Transportation Infrastructure, Local Jobs
NEWS
The Huron Central Railway that runs between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury will be upgraded to ensure the efficient transportation of goods and retain as many as 150 jobs in the region.
Through support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), the 350-kilometre line will receive repairs and improvements to its rails, ties and bridges. The city is managing the initiative in partnership with Essar Steel Algoma and Domtar.
QUOTES
"In partnership with the provincial government, representatives from local industry and the City of Sault Ste. Marie have worked hard to reach an agreement with Huron Central Railway that will allow for the important transportation link to remain operational. This investment is part of our government's plan to help ensure that commercial rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury is upgraded for long-term viability that will greatly benefit regional businesses including Essar Steel."
- David Orazietti, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie.
“By investing in these rail line upgrades, our government is supporting the employment of 45 staff at the railway and nearly 100 other indirect jobs that have an immense positive economic impact on our region.”
- Mike Brown, MPP, Algoma-Manitoulin.
“Infrastructure development is essential to strengthening the northern economy and rail service provides key transportation links to our communities.”
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Chair of the NOHFC.
QUICK FACTS
- The NOHFC is providing $1.5 million to this project under its Infrastructure and Community Development Program. It will help the rail line remain open for another year while proponents continue to develop a longer-term solution for the line.
- In 2008, the Huron Central Railway handled more than 16,000 carloads of freight. That means fewer trucks on our roads - between 20,000 and 40,000 less truck loads.
Read about the NOHFC’s programs
About the Huron Central Railway
Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Michel Lavoie, Communications Branch, 705-564-7125 ontario.ca/north-news
167, NOHFC;950506;IACDP
