While it is very exciting that passenger train service is returning to Northeastern Ontario, it was unbelievably disappointing to learn in the plan recently released by the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission that the East Parry Sound District will be bypassed entirely. 

Historically, rail service was an immense economic driver for the region of Almaguin as a whole, largely in part due to activity here in South River. In bygone days, the community acted as a ‘Divisional Point’ along the rail line, and up until passenger rail service ceased operations in 2012, South River was utilized as the only stop between Huntsville and North Bay. Why leave it out this time around? 

In addition to providing the residents of Almaguin a critical service in an otherwise underserved region, a South River train stop would offer the region the boost of economic growth that has been much-needed for many years. It could be the driver of many business opportunities in the area and act as an immense boost to existing businesses by bringing visitors to the doorstep of Almaguin instead of watching it fly by from the train window on their way to the city of North Bay.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: 

• Transportation is a huge barrier to many aspects of the economy in Almaguin and the region has no other stop in the current plan put forth for restoring passenger rail service. As such, we are underserved. 
• South River is located directly in the middle of the two neighboring planned stops (Huntsville & North Bay) and thus could act as a central location for all residents and visitors of Almaguin
• South River access to Algonquin Park is the #1 busiest access point for backcountry canoe tripping with the parking lot regularly overloaded with upwards of 80 vehicles being forced to park outside the parking lot on the road last summer.
• The South River Train Station is currently in the planning stages for a restoration and renovation that will see the space become an event space welcoming visitors. It could be ready to open by the time rail service is restored.
• Our regional branding is based on wilderness as RTO12/Explorers’ Edge brand identifier is “The Great Canadian Wilderness Just North of Toronto” - so why is half of the region being ignored?
• Historically, tourism-based businesses in the area utilized the rail service to bring large groups of both international and domestic travelers to the area. Its return could put South River and Almaguin on the map for event planners.
• CBC's Still Standing visited our area and made a strong case for the history and culture of South River including a segment on our station.
• Remote nature-based tourism is an economic driver in South River with two nationally recognized Canadian Signature Experience operators offering services here and hundreds of other businesses waiting to host travelers. 

Now more than ever, Ontarians are looking for ways to explore their own backyard, and what better way to do so than being able to hop on a train in Toronto and hop off in the middle of Nature’s Playground? It would be a great shame to see South River and the Almaguin Highlands lose this amazing opportunity to show the rest of the province the beauty and unique offerings of this region.

We know the number of residents in Almaguin is not as high as in Toronto, but those getting out of the city are not looking to spend time in a northern city, but instead, wish to explore remote areas like South River and Algonquin Park once it is safe to do so. We are ready to host these visitors, and the residents of Almaguin are ready to say goodbye to the transportation barriers they have faced for years on end. 

What will you do to help restore a stop in South River as part of the planned restoration of passenger rail service?

PLEASE SEND A LETTER TO THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION, CAROLINE MULRONEY, AND CC THE FOLLOWING CONTACTS (FEEL FREE TO UTILIZE THE LETTER TEMPLATE BELOW):

Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation
5th Floor
777 Bay St.
Toronto, ON M7A 1Z8
416-327-9200
caroline.mulroney@ontario.ca

Norm Miller, MPP (Parry Sound-Muskoka)
12th Floor, Ferguson Block 77 Wellesley St. West
Toronto, ON M7A 1N3
norm.miller@pc.ola.org

Dave Gray
Executive Director, Almaguin Community Economic Development
director@investalmaguin.ca
(705) 571-1564

James Murphy
Executive Director, Explorers’ Edge, RTO12
james@explorersedge.ca
705-706-1649

Lynda Carleton, Mayor
Machar Township
705-386-7741
bpaulmachar@vianet.ca
Clerk/Administrator: Brenda Paul 

Jim Coleman, Mayor
South River
705-386-2573
clerk@southriverontario.com
Clerk/Administrator, Don McArthur 

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SUBJECT: Make South River a Stop on Northeastern Passenger Rail Service 

Dear Ms. Mulroney,

I am writing to you in the hopes that you will consider supporting the economic growth of the Almaguin Highlands by fighting for a restored stop in South River on the soon-to-be-reinstated Northlander passenger rail service.

I was disappointed to hear that the passenger rail service will bypass the entire East Parry Sound District. Historically, rail service was an immense economic driver for the region of Almaguin as a whole, largely in part due to activity here in South River. In bygone days, the community acted as a ‘Divisional Point’ along the rail line, and up until passenger rail service ceased operations in 2012, South River was utilized as the only stop between Huntsville and North Bay. Why leave it out this time around? 

[PERSONALIZE HERE WITH 2-3 SENTENCES IF YOU WOULD LIKE!]

In addition to providing the residents of Almaguin a critical service in an otherwise underserved region, a South River train stop would offer the region the boost of economic growth that has been much-needed for many years. It could be the driver of many business opportunities in the area and act as an immense boost to existing businesses by bringing visitors to the doorstep of Almaguin instead of watching it fly by from the train window on their way to the city of North Bay.

Algonquin Park is an internationally renowned nature attraction. South River access to Algonquin Park is the #1 busiest access point for backcountry canoe tripping with the parking lot regularly overloaded with upwards of 80 vehicles being forced to park along the road outside the parking lot. Train service to the area could cut these numbers down significantly, reducing traffic congestion and the overall environmental impact of those vehicles being on the roads.

Now more than ever, Ontarians are looking for ways to explore their own backyard, and what better way to do so than being able to hop on a train in Toronto and hop off in the middle of Nature’s Playground? It would be a great shame to see South River and the Almaguin Highlands lose this amazing opportunity to show the rest of the province the beauty and unique offerings of this region. I truly hope that you recognize the vital impact of your role in making the return of this much-needed service a reality for both the residents and future visitors of Almaguin.

Thank you for taking the time to hear our concerns. 

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME