The Ontario Northland Railway
By Ontario Northland Transportation Commission
Location: The Ontario Northland Railway is located in northeastern Ontario, extending between the community of North Bay, located on the shores of Lake Nipissing on the Canadian Pacific Railway, and Moosonee on the Moose River just south of James Bay.
History: The impetus for the construction of a railway into northern Ontario first came in the late 1800's when settlement began around Lake Timiskaming. At that time, the small population was serviced by a steamboat network operating on the lake and the connecting Ottawa River. As the population grew, however, pressure was applied by area residents to provide a year round alternative to the steamboats. Notwithstanding the concerns expressed, it was around this time that Provincial officials became interested in the untapped potential of the area. For some time, the existing agricultural lands of the south were nearing their capacity. Accordingly, the Province directed in 1900 that a survey be conducted to establish the size and quality of lands around and to the north of the lake, termed as the Clay Belt area. Field trips were organized by technical staff who returned with the opinion that the lands held great potential for agriculture and forestry. In addition, it was suggested that the area contained vast reserves of a variety of minerals. The other issue on the mind of the Government of the time was the desire to combat French settlement on the opposite side of the lake, the area being a location where Provincial boundaries were not yet definitive.
Having what was viewed as evidence of success in their hands, the Government began canvasing the private sector in order to find a party interested in constructing a railway into the Timiskaming region. The offer was not viewed upon favourably, however, as many considered the existing settlements too small to support a railway, and the agriculture, lumbering and mineral potential all unproven. As a result, the Government moved ahead boldly by choosing to construct its own railway. In March 1902, the Timiskaming & Northern Ontario Railway (T&NOR) was created to construct a rail line north from North Bay to New Liskeard. Provision was made for future expansion and branch lines where warranted. It was anticipated that ultimately the line would be constructed north to connect with the proposed National Transcontinental Railway venture then in its infancy. In rationalizing its decision before the public, the Government stated that the T&NOR project was viewed as a betterment to the Province of Ontario, increasing its wealth through the development of untouched agriculture, lumber and mineral processing lands. Surveying of a route began within six months with construction the next year. The most difficult segment of the line in building was through the Canadian Shield country between North Bay and Latchford. The line was opened for operational traffic 113 miles between North Bay and New Liskeard in January 1905.
During the construction phase of the railway in June 1904, it was decided to extend the line a 100 miles further north into the clay belt area to a point on the Watabeag River (Matheson) with construction being initiated immediately. Not long after the opening of the line, an event took place that assured the new venture a stable traffic source and much notoriety. While the route was being blasted through the Long Lake area, veins of silver came to light. As the exploration of the find developed, it became clear that the discovery had great potential. A sudden mining rush took place that resulted in the construction of an adjoining community by the name of Cobalt adjacent to the fields. Several of the mines were constructed on lands leased from the railway. The opening of the line as well brought about the start of a dependable tourist industry initially based in the communities facing Lake Timiskaming. Connecting with the steam boats, opportunities existed for hunters and other explorers to travel to various points on the lake. The centre of this activity was Haileybury where accommodations became available over time. Spur lines were constructed at both New Liskeard and Haileybury that led down to the docks where connections for passengers and freight could be made. By 1906, the line was completed to Engelhart.
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