Canadian government OKs funding for Ontario passenger line

The Canadian government this week approved providing $5.3 million (in Canadian dollars) for continued passenger-rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, Ontario.

Funding will be provided over the course of three years, with a review occurring at the end of the term to determine if more funding is needed, according to a statement from Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt's office.

Railmark Holdings Inc. will be the line's operator, the statement said.

The government "is pleased to provide funding over the next three years to maintain operation of the passenger-rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst," said Byran Hayes, member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie.

"We thank the Algoma Central Railway Passenger Service Stakeholder Working Group for their extensive study, as this funding will give the city time to put in place a long-term solution for passenger-rail service in the area," he said.