The Newmarket sub (north section) is not operated by ONR, nor was it operated by ONR when the Northlander ran. ONR had running rights.
The City of SSM and partners have been trying for a couple of years to find a viable operator for the tour train, so far without success. I would imagine if the city proposed to buy a 114 mile rail line simply to operate a tour train - with no other revenue - and pay somebody to run it, the taxpayers would run them out of town on rails that may no longer exist.
The problem with "residents along the ACR" is that there are hardly any. Other than the terminal communities, the only ones of any size are hawk Junction (~200) and Dubreuilville (~620), both of which have road connections. The biggest impact when the ACR passenger train was cancelled was to remote tour operators. It seems the problem with the regular passenger train was not enough people in Hearst wanted to go to SSM and visa versa. If you are in Hearst and have a hankerin' for a city, you go to Timmins.
I lived and worked in both the northeast and northwest for a number of years. Other than post secondary and healthcare as Northern Light mentions (which are certainly not done on commuter-type frequency), people even in the larger centres don't habitually travel to other centres except perhaps for business or the occasional family visit. The only time we went to SSM, TBay or Wpg was the occasional shopping trip, once or twice a year (probably Walmart now - can't do Sears anymore). Heck, if you're in TBay and need to hit a Costco, Duluth is closer.
Sorry if you misunderstood. I know ONR has running rights. It does not operate freight south of North Bay.
Duluth isn't open for TBay residents as the border is closed. So, I'll bet many are doing the trek to Winnipeg.
I am not suggesting SSM will buy the whole line. However, if the Ring of Fire ferrocrome smelter is in SSM, the city buying it has secured the future of that city. If they can, residents, especially the ones working for the new smelter would likely be thankful, and vote for the politicians that made it happen.
I realize anything between Thunder Bay and SSM is more of a pipe dream than anything else. Mind you, SSM to Toronto, through Sudbury and North Bay could be possible if the line was in better shape. I could see OVR asking ONR to take over if they take over HCR. The maintenance costs are enough to want to get out of it.
If SSM doesn't want ACR, I'd bet that ONR would take it, and just run what little freight currently goes on it, and then push to have the ore from the RoF go by rail. This might see the old CN line between Nakina and Calstock reactivated for the Ring of Fire.
So, let's play a timeline of my thoughts out.
Less than 1 year HCR becomes part of ONR.
1-2 years, Northlander service reactivated.
2-3 years Ontario General election.
2-3 years, ACR to be operated by ONR or SSM
5-10 years Ring of Fire is connected to the rail system If ONR is running between Hearst and SSM, there is a possibiluty of 500km of new track being laid(
https://www.northernontariobusiness...fire-road-construction-and-mine-start-2632567)
5-10 years OVR wants out and ONR takes over.
15-20 years A passenger service runs between SSM and Toronto.
20+ years Service between Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, SSM and Toronto starts.
The things within 5 years are very likely with what is in the news. The things between 5-10 are realistic, but depend on a lot of factors, much of which most of us would have no access to. Anything beyond 10 years is a guess on how things could progress, but is doubtful unless the Northlander is a massive success and voters cry for similar service.
The big wild card will be what happens with HCR. If in 2021, it is business as usual, then my timelines are junk, except fort he Northlander. Vic won't get voted in if that does not happen.
