Premier unveils first of 16 refurbished Polar Bear Express passenger coaches

The first of 16 refurbished Polar Bear Express passenger rail cars has been completed.

Premier Kathleen Wynne was on hand for the ribbon cutting at Ontario Northland’s Refurbishment and Repair Centre in North Bay.

The province has invested $17-million into the Polar Bear Express for upgrades and modernization.

While there was no new work announced, the Premier say efforts continue in bringing in new work for the centre. “I know that there have been conversations with Metrolinx, that’s an ongoing discussion.”

Meantime, Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle said, “We see some great opportunities in the future.”

He goes on to say they’re excited about this project, “It’s 2019 when every one of the 16 vehicles is done.”

The project is supporting 25 jobs locally.

The refurbished rail cars will improve the travel experience for passengers, offering them new seats with electrical and USB charging, accessible washrooms, modern flooring, enhanced luggage space, comfortable dining cars and a family car.

Meantime, Wynne was asked about people struggling with energy costs.

She says she’s heard about it on her Northern tour.

Wynne says they inherited a degraded energy system and have had to make investments, which do have a cost.

She also says there are a variety of programs to help and with four northern MPP’s at the Cabinet table, including the Energy Minister, it’s an issue that’s on their radar.

“I think that there is more that we need to do and that’s one of the things the Minister of Energy is going to be looking at, how can we support people. But, we have to recognize that having a reliable, clean energy grid is a number one importance to residents, but also to businesses”, said the Premier.