By Rosalind Russell – Doug Gervais, Espanola’s mayor, says it is good news that Huron Central Railway is receiving support from the upper levels of government to improve the infrastructure.
Genesee & Wyoming Canada had stated back in 2020 it would shut down the rail line if they did not receive financial support to improve vital equipment between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.
Both the federal and provincial governments announced this week that they would provide $10.5 million dollars with the company also matching the $10.3 million investment in the upgrades, which will be carried out this year.
The company operates just over 288 kilometres of track between the two cities providing commercial freight services for several companies including EACOM (Interfor) in Nairn Centre, Domtar in Espanola, and Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie.
Photo: The Huron Central Railway, which provides rail services between Sudbury and Espanola is to continue operations, which could have major impact on three key businesses along the North Shore corridor, including Espanola’s Domtar paper mill. Photo supplied by HCR