Feds cut funding. Rail service from Sault to Hearst cancelled

SooToday.com has received information which could have a devastating affect on the Northern Ontario tourism sector.

On Friday, January 24, Hearst Mayor Roger Sigouin was informed by CN representatives that federal funding for passenger rail service from Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst was cut.

As a result, Algoma Central Railway passenger rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst will cease to exist as of Monday, March 31, 2014.

There are a number of properties, including private cottages, hunting and fishing lodges and other tourist destinations, along that stretch that can only be accessed by rail.

The Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains (CAPT) is seeking assistance in having the decision to discontinue this rail service reversed and requests that public supporters assist by submitting letters of support to both Sault Ste. Marie MP Bryan Hayes ([email protected]) and Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes ([email protected]).

CAPT asks that any communication on this matter submitted to MPs Hayes and Hughes be copied to CAPT via [email protected]

For more information about CAPT, please click here

SooToday.com is currently gathering additional information related to this matter and will post further details as they become available.