ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER - February 2, 2026
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 Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario.
Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.
ONTARIO TRAILS NEWS Go Fund Us
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Ontario Trails Council is revitalizing our partnership with the Trans Canada Trail. Recent talks have gone exceedingly well between the OTC Board and leadership of the TCT. We thank the TCT for the opportunity to support our presence at the national event.
Unfortunately due to a lack of resources we missed the World Trail Conference 2 years ago. We wish to have a presence in Winnipeg in support of those OTC members that Support the Trans Canada Trail in their communities.
With your help we can help shape a better future for trails in Canada. Please donate to get us there. Thank you.
TOP TRAIL NEWS
Local river walks aim to connect community with nature and conservation work - Guelph News
Guelph Today
Freshwater Conservation Canada is leading two educational hikes along the Eramosa and Speed Rivers this February, offering participants a chance ...
ONTARIO TRAIL PROJECTS AND FUNDING
NEWS RELEASEOntario Investing Over $100 Million in Northlander Rail InfrastructureProvince completing track upgrades that will support the return of passenger rail service later this year
January 30, 2026
Ministry of Transportation
NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is nearing completion of more than $100 million worth of investments in rail infrastructure to support the return of Northlander passenger rail service to northeastern Ontario. Work underway along the corridor, including joint elimination, curve adjustments and improvements at rail crossings, will deliver a smoother ride, enhance comfort and safety, and reduce travel times for passengers. The Northlander will span 740 kilometres between Toronto and Timmins, with a rail connection to Cochrane, for a total of 16 stops, and is part of the government’s work to protect Ontario’s economy by connecting northern communities, creating good-paying jobs, supporting local industries and driving economic growth across the north.
“Our government is protecting Ontario by bringing back the Northlander and connecting thousands of people in northeastern Ontario to health care, education and economic opportunities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The rail work underway will help reduce travel times and deliver a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers.”
Additional work along the corridor, which includes adding warning systems, updating signage at rail crossings and adding gates to existing crossings, will continue to enhance safety across the network.
"The return of the Northlander marks an important milestone in our government's plan to deliver new economic opportunities and safe transportation to northern Ontario families," said Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing. “With work underway to enhance the rail corridor and modernize the North Bay Station, we are one step closer to restoring this Ontario staple and helping connect the people of this province."
The Ontario government has also awarded a contract for renovations at North Bay Station, which will serve the Northlander, as well as Ontario Northland’s motor coach and Bus Parcel Express services. Construction is underway to modernize the station with new digital screens, seating and service counters, as well as washroom and lighting enhancements to improve accessibility and comfort. Similar work is underway at the Cochrane and Englehart stations, with construction expected to be completed in the spring.
“Our government’s investment in track upgrades is delivering safer, smoother travel while building momentum toward the Northlander’s return,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Today’s announced improvements will make it easier and safer to move students, workers, and tourists across the north, and with construction well underway at the station in Timmins, our community is ready to welcome the Northlander back.”
The Ontario government has recently marked several milestones to support the return of the Northlander, including completing construction of the North Bay Rail Bypass, getting shovels in the ground at Timmins-Porcupine Station, reconstructing platforms and installing shelters along the Northlander corridor and
Quick Facts
North Bay, Cochrane and Englehart stations will offer connections to Ontario Northland’s Motor Coach and Bus Parcel Express services.
Northern Ontario is home to more than 65,000 local businesses and contributed over $55.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2024.
The Northlander will enhance Ontario’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North.
Ontario is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America.
Lovatt Warns Infrastructure Projects, Service Expansion At Risk Without Provincial Support
Penticton Herald
... Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. ... Greenbelt review, which periodically reassesses land-use ...
Rural Ontario Development program
Municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, local services boards and small rural businesses are eligible to apply to the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program until February 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Eligible projects support economic diversification, competitiveness and capacity building; workforce development, attraction and retention; and community infrastructure enhancements. Online information sessions are available. This program is funded by the Ministry of Rural Affairs.
Learn more about the ROD program
Capital grant applications open February 4
Non-profit organizations in Ontario can apply for Capital grants from February 4, to March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. These grants fund projects that update buildings, enhance physical spaces, or purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so people and communities can thrive. Apply for $10,000 up to $200,000.
Available support:
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