Passenger train advocates ‘optimistic’ about progress in 2017

An advocacy group seeking to reinstate passenger train service along the Hearst-to-Sault Ste. Marie Algoma Central Railway line said it is optimistic about making progress in 2017.

The Algoma Passenger Train Working Group is led by Chief Jason Gauthier of the Missanabie Cree First Nation, and has been lobbying for the return of service after it ceased in March, 2014.

The passenger service, which largely serves tourist outfitters and camp owners between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, stopped running in 2014 after Transport Canada announced it would no longer provide CN the $2.2-million subsidy to help offset the cost of running the train.

“I continue my commitment to leading the process of restoring passenger service through the new 'Mask-wa Oo-ta-ban' (Bear Train),” Gauthier said in a Jan. 24 release.

“This economic development project for our First Nation fits totally within the stated priorities of the federal government: reconciliation through First Nation economic development/job creation; reduction of carbon emissions to fight climate change; and regional economic development.”

Gauthier said a number of activities in recent months have boosted the hopes of the group:

• Gauthier and lodge owner Al Errington met before Christmas with Transport Canada (TC) and senior officials from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), as promised earlier in 2016;
• BDO Canada Ltd. has been hired using INAC funding  to develop a new business plan; and
• Gauthier met with CN in Toronto the first week of January to discuss important information required for the business plan.
• Gauthier said talks with Transport Canada, INAC and CN have been open and collaborative and the group is now “much clearer as to what has to be done to get the train back in service.”

Although much of the content from the meetings is confidential, Gauthier said the group will provide ongoing updates as progress progresses.

The aim is to have the service restored by this summer.