The ONR Northlander - Our Final Glimpse
A few small clips of the last two Northlander's through southern Ontario in three locations.
1) 09/28 @Gravenhurst
2) 09/28 @Brechin
3) 09/29 @Don Valley (deadhead NB)
Due to the Liberal government at Queens Park dealing with Ontario's deficit, they initiated the divestment of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, which includes Ontario Northland rail and bus services along with Ontera communication systems. With the advent of looming divestment, people of communities in northern Ontario have endlessly rallied and spoken out against Liberal government's seeming disregard for the well-being of the north. "ONTC NOT FOR SALE!" has become a well-known symbol of the unified voice of solidarity for resistance. Whether that voice prevails in higher courts we will see.
The first noticeable hit to the ONTC was the abolition of the Northlander train, a ONR passenger train that connected the northern regions such as Cochrane, North Bay, and Muskoka to Toronto's own Union Station. 35 years running c.1977, the Northlander in recent times has been the most unique passenger move on mainline rails in north-central Ontario, with a GP38-2 leading a former FP7 B-unit converted into a Auxiliary Power Unit, and three (or more depending) modified former GO Transit single-level commuter cars made for long-haul inter-city service. Despite being a tad on the bumpy side while riding, the Northlander has been a valuable asset for the people of the north who wish to connect to Toronto without having to take the low-grade ONR busses which I can assure you, are most certainly, low-grade. The train was a great thing, but all great things must come to end, or must they? Ask anyone from north of Washago, Ontario and I can assure you, you will receive a strong and solid opinion on the train and Premier Dalton McGuinties reputation.
Who knows what fates lie for the ONTC, we can only hope for the best and keep our voices unified cause the ONR, well gee guy, that's NOT for SALE!