ONTC Divestiture - Not the Only Option.

On Friday May 10th, Min. Gravelle indicated a change in the government's direction when he told the FONOM group that divestiture is not the only option.  This was welcome news for the group, and others, who have been advocating to stop the selloff and take a good look at the options.  It seems that anyone who knows anything about Ontario Northland recognizes that the status quo will not suffice, but we have been at this point before.

One of the options that is the most developed as an alternative to the current structure of Ontario Northland is the "New Deal" as proposed by the GCA, the umbrella group of the ONTC unions.  While that proposal is far superior to the divestment option, which was the only previous choice, it is not clear if it is the best one, given that all options may now be on the table.

The perceived unsustainability of ONTC is what set the divestiture wheels in motion, albeit probably with an initial push by MNDM, who have never been able to figure out how to utilize the corporation.  After more than a decade of that lack of leadership, the company was only able to achieve a fraction of its true potential.  Further evidence of how MNDM is not geared toward transportation can be seen by the struggles of the Owen Sound Transportation Company as they were almost forced to delay the operation of the Chi-Cheemaun due to MNDM failure to deal with low water levels.

If the reporting structure of Ontario Northland was changed to the MTO, alongside Metrolinx, it may have two beneficial effects.  For one thing, it would remove the barriers to innovation and expansion that have been firmly planted by MNDM.  The other benefit could be the introduction of an inter-city rail mindset into the MTO mandate.  It would have to be supported at the highest levels of government to prevent being overtaken by the former Department of Highways.  

Currently there are a number of groups fighting to preserve or enhance their access to rail passenger service and/or rail service providers experiencing financial difficulty. In addition to leading the ROF development, ONTC could be involved in the following

CAPT - Sault Ste Marie
CAPT has long been advocating for improvements to passenger rail service on the Algoma Central Railway, where communities and businesses are totally dependent on CN for access because there are no roads .  They have since expanded their vision to include all of Northern Ontario in the provision of rail services.

Huron Central - Sault Ste Marie

In 2009, the Huron Central Railway was to the point where they were prepared to wind down their entire operation between Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury, which would have sever negative effects on two major employers in the region, Essar Steel and Domtar.

Transport Pontiac Renfrew
Transport Pontiac-Renfrew is engaged in a spirited process to acquire from CN the rail line known as “The Beachburg Subdivision” thus ensuring its survival for generations to come! Extending from Pembroke to Ottawa running through both Ontario and Quebec, the Beachburg Sub is one of the oldest rail corridors in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. Its very existence allows local resource-based industry to ship to world markets efficiently and cost-effectively.

Removal  of Rail between Smiths Falls & Mattawa
When the CPR diverted its trains from this line to its main traffic lines through Toronto, Rail America the contracted operator,  ceased operations beyond Mattawa to Smith Falls.  

Shining Waters Railway
When this organization gets up and running they will be looking for an experienced rail services operator to manage freight and passenger services between Toronto and Peterborough. 

VIA cuts London to Sarnia 
VIA responded to declining ridership by cutting the route, but the Mayor of London says VIA contributed to the decline by poor marketing, lack of cars and  turning away some passengers.

Committee Promoting Muskoka Rail Travel
This group was looking to increase rail passenger service between Muskoka and Toronto and use the Northlander as a commuter service.

All of the above groups or situations could benefit from a strong provincial rail service provider.  Ontario Northland already has all the administrative support, car repair facilities, car refurbishment facilities, track maintenance gangs, and marketing people necessary in these situations.  They have experienced railroaders who could work with provincial negotiators on behalf of Ontario residents when it comes to pressing the federal government to live up to VIA's mandate.

Ontario Northland should be involved in all these areas to see what economic impact could be generated if the provincial government were to participate in the solutions.  Rail transportation needs a much higher priority in this province and Ontario Northland is ideally suited to work with Metrolinx and expand the benefits of rail travel to all parts of the province.