Ontario Northland Wins $86.2MM GO Bilevel Rehab Contract
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
“This contract will provide job stability for our employees while contributing to economic growth in Northern Ontario,” Ontario Northland President and CEO Corina Moore (pictured, right) said during the announcement of the award, which will have the company upgrade 56 GO Transit bilevels. “Our continued partnership with Metrolinx, specifically for refurbishment projects, confirms our exceptional skillset and reputation for high-quality remanufacturing services right here in North Bay.”
Ontario Northland on May 30 will begin upgrading 56 GO Transit bilevels for Metrolinx at its remanufacturing and repair center in North Bay.
The Ontario government is funding the $86.2 million (C$109 million) project, which is slated to wrap up by late September 2025
Each bilevel will be stripped in a complete overhaul that will include new seating as well as upgrades to washrooms; electrical components; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and door systems.
The contract is in addition to an existing contract with Ontario Northland to refurbish 15 cab cars, which was signed in 2019, and to a $133.45 million (C$171 million) contract with Alstom to refurbish 94 GO coaches, which was announced in November 2021.
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we’re supporting [approximately 100] good paying manufacturing jobs in Northern Ontario while improving service across the GO rail network,” Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney said during the April 8 announcement.
“This vehicle refurbishment agreement is an important step in supporting the growth of our future rail capacity,” Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster said.
“This contract will provide job stability for our employees while contributing to economic growth in Northern Ontario,” said Ontario Northland President and CEO Corina Moore, who was selected as a Railway Age Women in Rail honoree in 2017. “Our continued partnership with Metrolinx, specifically for refurbishment projects, confirms our exceptional skillset and reputation for high quality remanufacturing services right here in North Bay. We are proud of the impact of this contract to the region as it will create long-term jobs as well as drive business to over 30 local suppliers.”
