CHAPLEAU EXPRESS
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Vol. 31, Issue 5, October 1, 2026
Passenger rail car investment an opportunity to reintroduce train service along Lake Superior’s North Shore By Éric Boutilier he Government of Canada has (finally) taken some tangible steps forward to breathe new life into VIA Rail’s longdistance, regional and remote train services. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced an investment of 4.7 billion dollars to manufacture and maintain 313 brand new passenger rail cars; of which a significant portion will be built in Northern Ontario. This announcement was long overdue. At an average age of 77 years, the train sets in use in rural parts of the country are well past their best-before dates. For instance, the units assigned to the Sudbury-White River line (a.k.a. Budd Cars) are likely on their last legs. VIA Rail cancelled service on this route 44 times in 2025, largely due to recurring equipment breakdowns. Over the past five years, the company spent 9 million on repairs to prevent the trains from failing outright. If everything goes to plan, the entire long-distance fleet will be replaced over the next decade. The news is surely welcomed with open arms by the City of Thunder Bay, the business community, as well as the local workforce employed by Alstom Canada. The decision to Long Term “Buy Canadian” will Forecast bring much needed Thursday stability to a factory that High 20 laid off some 200 Low 7 workers a year ago. Friday Thunder Bay and the High 20 s urrounding area Low 6 certainly stand to gain Saturday from the economic
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s p i n - o ff s r e s u l t i n g from these high paying jobs. Still, I can’t help but wonder whether there aren’t additional ways the general public could benefit from the fruits of this labour. Much like in a community dependent on mineral extraction, the collective wealth generated by this passenger rail car contract will only last Photo Credit Éric Boutilier as long as the train sets Bud Car in Chapleau themselves are being constructed locally. Wi t h a l i t t l e foresight, the federal government and VIA Rail could also reimagine how train service is delivered in this isolated region. The company receives public funds to operate The Canadian (Toronto-Vancouver) and the Sudbury-White River train. Both services connect people to places with limited or no access to other forms Photo Credit Éric Boutilier of land-based transporThunder Bay’s Sleeping Giant tation. Cont’d P.2
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Passenger rail car investment an opportunity to reintroduce train service along Lake Superior’s North Shore Cont’d from P.1 Neither currently serves Thunder Bay, the largest city by population in Northwestern Ontario; or for that matter, any of the communities between Nipigon and Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert) First Nation. Instead, passengers catch the train by commuting some three hours north of the city to Armstrong, or four and a quarter hours east to White River. The district of Thunder Bay is best described as a public transportation desert. There is but one (almost-daily) overnight bus connecting towns and First Nations along the North Shore of Lake Superior to larger cities like Greater Sudbury, Ottawa and Toronto. Too often, there are no detours whenever the TransCanada highway is closed due to a collision, poor weather conditions, or at times, forest fires. Flights, while plentiful out of Thunder Bay International Airport, tend to be on the expensive side when travelling within Northern Ontario. At the time of writing, the cheapest direct, round-trip, non-refundable base fare to Sault-Ste-Marie aboard Bearskin Airlines is $903 ― hardly affordable for budget conscious travellers.
Photo Credit Éric Boutilier
For comparison, Thunder Bayites can travel overseas from their local airport to Paris (France) for $1,272 (return) aboard a connecting flight between Porter and Air Transat. Commercial air carriers don’t otherwise serve municipal airports located along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The Prime Minister says he wants to restore passenger rail service to Thunder Bay. If VIA Rail and Photo Credit Éric Boutilier the Minister of Transport Steven Nevertheless, Northerners need alternaMacKinnon were so inclined, the Sudbury- tive modes of transport when driving Highway White River line could, theoretically (upon 17 is no longer a viable (or desirable) option to completion of the new trains), be extended using access services unavailable in their hometown. the existing CPKC tracks that continue westThese new passenger rail cars can be part ward. of the solution that helps make travel between This is no turn-key proposal though. An northern communities feel a little less distant. additional crew would likely be needed to reliably operate the train for 400 more kilometres to Thunder Bay. Shifts are typically capped at twelve hours. On a good day, it takes the Budd Car eight to complete its journey to White River. It’s also difficult to determine whether the host railway has the capacity to accommodate passenger service expansion without a business case document ― similar to the one produced for the Northlander.
EXPLORE CANADA THIS WINTER
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 1, 2026 - Page 3
Chapleau Moments Michael J. Morris
From the archives of
Michael J. Morris September 3, 2015
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he newly renovated wing at the Lady Minto Hospital was dedicated to the memory of Dr. J.J. Sheahan "beloved physician of the entire community" in a ceremony on August 7, 1963. Dr. Sheahan had practised medicine in Chapleau from 1907 until his death in 1942. In his comments, C.B. Greenlaw, chair of the hospital's management board spoke of the "vital role" Dr. Sheahan had played in the history of the hospital. In fact, Dr. Sheahan was the first president of the hospital board when it opened in 1914, and was "house physician and surgeon". In dedicating the plaque, Rev. J.G.M. Doolan, Rector of St. John's Anglican Church said that in honouring Dr. Sheahan, it paid "eloquent testimony to the affection and respect for Dr. Sheahan from a professional and personal standpoint." Rev. Father Gustave Lampron, of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, gave similar comments in French. The newly renovated wing housed the
Plaque in Lady Minto Hospital, now in Chapleau General Hospital.
Children's ward at Lady Minto Hospital dedicated in memory of Dr. J.J. Sheahan' beloved physician of the entire community' in 1963 ceremony children's ward. Mrs. Lionel Nolan, long associated with the Sheahan family spoke of his influence in the community and the warm place he held in the hearts of his patients, young and old. "His ready smile won the hearts of the young patients who considered him their ideal and hero. To adults, he was not only physician but counsellor, father confessor and friend. He was always available in time in need," Lady Minto Hospital under construction, circa 1913 Mrs. Nolan said, according to a story in the Sudbury Star. E . P. E v e r e t t , superintendent of the C P R Schreiber Division commented: "Everything said here today would not bring out all the qualities this man possessed. He was a great man in every respect. He practised through this northern country when times were very difficult, when dog teams and horses and sleighs provided the transportation. Lady Minto Hospital 1914 However, when duty called, he was there." Tours were conducted by Mrs. Frances Burrows, Mrs. William Grinton, Mrs. Ross Pellow, Mrs. Richard Avison and Mrs. J.R. Keddie. Writing in Snapshots of Chapleau's Past, George Evans wrote "In 1916, the good people of Chapleau showed their apppreciation Of Dr. Sheahan's service to the community by preseneting him with a brand new Ford... It was the first automobile in Chapleau and Dr. Sheahan is reported to have quipped that 'instead of babies coming in a Dr J.J. Sheahan, King of 1940 Winter Carnival with Carnival little black bag, they Con’t on Queen Ina Robinson (later married Frank Coulter). Others P.4 unknown. If you know them please let us know.
Plan to Travel within Canada
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 1, 2026 - Page 4
Chapleau Moments Cont’d from P.3 will now come in a little black car'". Commenting after Dr. Sheahan's death on October 26, 1942, the Chapleau Post said that residents of Chapleau and area had "lost one of its most loved and public spirited citizens". "Commanding the respect and trust of his fellow citizens from the first, he put his profession above all else. Never known to rest
while work was pressing he took few holidays." However, he was also involved in the community as member of the high school board, honorary president of the Chapleau branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society and supporter of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church as well as being the Knights of Columbus. In 1940 he was King of the Chapleau Winter Carnival. As a mark of the high esteem in which Dr.
Sheahan was held, on the day of his funeral service, conducted by Rev. Father Romeo Gascon at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, schools and stores were closed in Chapleau. The Chapleau Post reported that "everyone the young and the old attended the funeral which was one of the largest Chapleau has ever known." The plaque is now displayed at the Chapleau General Hospital. My thanks to the folks at the Chapleau General Hospital Foundation who kindly provided me with a photo of it. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
Ontario Investing More Than $675,000 to Support Economic Development in Chapleau The Ontario government is investing $675,512 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support three projects that will help build a stronger, more vibrant Chapleau. As part of its plan to protect Ontario and ensure the North remains a great place to live and work, the government is making strategic investments throughout the region to help businesses grow, create good-paying jobs and revitalize community hubs for residents and visitors to enjoy. “Our government is supporting projects that help communities and businesses reach their full potential,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With this NOHFC investment, two companies that support our forest industry will be able to expand their operations and a vital community facility will undergo renovations to make Chapleau an even better place to live and work.” Projects receiving NOHFC funding include: -$400,000 for True North Timber, a stump-tomill service provider based in Chapleau, to purchase specialized forestry equipment, including an excavator, grader, log loader, two haul trucks and two log trailers. Adding this equipment to its operation will allow the company to increase its capacity to meet the growing demand for forestry services in the area. -$142,312 for the Chapleau Pentecostal Church to modernize and extend the life of its building while improving accessibility, safety and functionality with lighting upgrades, flooring replacement, HVAC enhancements and safety improvements. The facility currently houses Chapleau’s only food bank, thrift store, youth programming and elder outreach,
and serves as a multipurpose space for c o m m u n i t y w o r kshops, gatherings and crisis support. The p l a n n e d i m p r o v ements will ensure that all residents, including seniors and marginalized families, can enjoy and utilize this community asset for years to come. -$133,200 for CSDL Logging, a forestry company that provides logging and harvesting services to True North Timber, to purchase a forwarder and harvester. By expanding its equipment fleet, the company will have the capacity to meet the increased volume required by its clients. “Congratulations to the Chapleau Pentecostal Church, True North Timber and CSDL Logging on securing funding for your economic development projects,” said Bill Rosenberg, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma–Manitoulin. “It is great to see regional organizations and businesses in Chapleau receiving funding to support projects that will enhance community spaces and help local businesses purchase new equipment and expand their services. This is great news for the Chapleau community.” The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and
secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s increased investment, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1.1 billion in over 8,900 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,850 jobs.
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 1, 2026 - Page 5
Diane's Dream Hits a New Pace
by Steven Ellwood Diane Daigle-Dinel has not slowed down. In fact, she has revved her engines and gone into overdrive, outpacing her previous best. For the month of September, she has done a draw every week of the month. For those who have been following the story, Diane's charitable organization, Diane's Dream, has been accepting recyclables such as empty beer and pop cans, and wine bottles. She transports them at her own expense to recycling stations, cashing them in. She does a live video draw on the Chapleau Community Bulletin Board and then donates the proceeds in cash to a deserving local community organization. For the month of September, she has
managed a draw once a week. Each week she has spun the wheel and awarded a good cause $500 cash. Her 13th draw, Monday September 7th, was Ecole Sacre-Coeur Breakfast Club which provides nutritional programs and student food services through a combination of local community initiatives and school board partnerships. A week later she spun the wheel again: her 14th winner was the Bignucolo Residence, the local extended care facility for seniors in Chapleau. Just one week later, her 15th draw netted a $500 windfall for Maison Boreal, the local senior's housing initiative. And this just in: Diane informs me, she has just done another draw - her 4th in as many weeks. The latest and 16th draw winner is Alliance des francophones engages de Chapleau, an organization that supports and engages the French-speaking community in the Chapleau area. Congratulations to all four organizations that won this past month! Folks, that's $2000 raised in one single month. And if my math is correct, since beginning just a few short months ago, Diane's
Dream has generated some $8000 for local organizations that directly benefit the people of our community right here in Chapleau. That's extraordinary! A note going forward: Diane was accepting all recyclable bottles over the summer and driving to Rouyn-Noranda where there is a recycling centre that accepts all plastic bottles. However, as the winter weather makes these longer drives more hazardous, she will be suspending the collection of regular recycling and only accepting wines and beer bottles and cans that can be cashed in at slightly closer centres like Timmins. To find out how you can help Diane's Dream support our local organizations, contact Diane Daigle-Dinel through Messenger - and keep those empties coming.
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 1, 2026 - Page 6
Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME
On Oct. 14, 1892, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle was published. The book was the first collection of Holmes stories, which had been published in magazines since 1887. Its titular detective was partly inspired by Dr. Joseph Bell, whom Conan Doyle had met at the University of Edinburgh when he studied medicine there.
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, October 1, 2026 - Page 7
Ontario Protecting Workers and Businesses From Latest U.S. Trade Actions Expanded support program eligibility will help keep workers on the job in impacted sectors In response to the United States government’s latest import ban on Canadian alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles, the Ontario government is expanding eligibility under the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) to these sectors to protect impacted workers and businesses. The expansion reflects the government’s adaptive approach towards ongoing U.S. trade actions, ensuring businesses are equipped with the capital support needed to withstand mounting operational pressures, keep workers on the job and reshore supply chains. The POFP continues to support businesses still subject to existing section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automotives, as well as a broad range of goods previously tariffed under the section 338. “As the U.S. administration continues to threaten Ontario’s leading industries, our government remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the economy, defend our workers and lay the foundation for a strong and stable future,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By broadening eligibility for our relief programs, we’re ensuring Ontario businesses are not only equipped to navigate the challenges of present day but can take the neces-
sary steps to reduce long-term reliance on a single market and diversify their international exports.” The U.S. import ban builds on a series of punitive trade actions levied by the U.S. government against Canadian exports, including an additional 50 per cent tariff on a range of products that took effect on September 15. The Ontario government took immediate action to broaden the eligibility of the province’s trade programs, allowing newly affected businesses to access immediate supports in the form of loans and grants that would help them diversify into new markets and reshore supply chains away from the U.S. The $1 billion POFP provides immediate relief for Ontario businesses impacted by tariffs and trade disruptions by providing loans that can be used for costs such as payroll, lease payments and utilities. The government is also expanding eligibility under the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF). The $150 million OTTF provides grants or loans to small and medium-sized Ontario businesses to help them expand interprovincial trade and reshore supply chains away from the U.S. “Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario workers, businesses and communities from ongoing U.S. trade actions that are taking direct aim at our economy,” said Peter B e t h l e n f a l v y, M i n i s t e r o f Finance. “By diversifying exports, unlocking free trade within Canada and providing targeted supports for tradeimpacted sectors, we are strengthening Ontario’s economic resilience and competitiveness. These measures are helping businesses adapt, attract investment and create good-paying jobs, while ensuring Ontario remains wellpositioned to navigate global uncertainty and seize new opportunities for long-term growth.” As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government continues to adapt and use all available tools to mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs, including retaliatory restrictions on U.S. alcohol and procurement, while leading on the efforts to expand trade within Canada. Earlier this year, Ontario co-led a historic operating agreement between eight other provinces and territories to allow direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales of alcoholic beverages between their individual
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jurisdictions for personal use. The expansion of DTC marked the removal of a major trade barrier within Canada, setting forward a path for a more open and united national economy. The Ontario government is also facilitating opportunities for impacted businesses to unlock new trade links and expand their export reach beyond the U.S. market through targeted trade missions. The province led over 60 targeted export missions in 2025, with 2026 projected to see nearly 70 additional export missions by year’s end. Efforts to diversify Ontario’s trade has seen significant success as global demand for Ontariomade goods continues to grow. As Ontario continues to navigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape and positioning the economy to be the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant in the G7. Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, 1962 authorizes the U.S. President to place tariffs (among other actions) on goods from other countries if those imports are deemed to threaten national security. Using section 232, the U.S. has placed tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and autos, among other products, threatening Ontario jobs and businesses. Starting in August 2026, the U.S. has invoked section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 for the first time, imposing 50 per cent tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods. The administration subsequently expanded its section 338 trade restrictions to include additional tariffs and import bans on products such as alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles, effective September 29, 2026.
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Drug warning: September 25, 2026 Public Health Sudbury & Districts is warning of a rise in drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. Community reports suggest that some of the substances involved may have been obtained through a source in Greater Sudbury around the Energy Court encampment before being used in the Manitoulin District. The cause of the increase is unknown. This serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. If you use drugs, take steps to reduce your risk. Share this information to help save lives. Key information Community partners have reported: • an increase in drug poisonings • an increase in adverse reactions such as heavy nods (sedation) and vomiting • multiple doses of naloxone being required Due to concerns about benzodiazepines (benzos) and tranquilizers (xylazine and medetomidine), take steps to support someone who is sedated. • Move the person to a safe place, ideally somewhere warm and dry. • Stay with them and keep an eye on them. • Check that limbs are not restricted. • If they are having trouble breathing or not breathing, give rescue breaths. How to prevent poisonings A poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body cannot handle its effects. A person can pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal or non-fatal. • Carry a naloxone kit. It can help reverse an opioid poisoning. Know how to use it.
! Pick up a free naloxone kit at The Point, Réseau ACCESS Network, or ask your l o c a l h o s p i t a l o r p h a r m a c y. Vi s i t ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free. • Avoid mixing substances. This includes alcohol, prescription, over-thecounter, and street drugs. • Start with a lower dose and go slow. • Avoid using drugs when you are alone. ! Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677. This service provides 24/7 confidential and non-judgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs. How to respond to poisonings • Call 911. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives. • GIVE NALOXONE. It won’t cause harm if opioids are not involved. The person may not wake up right away due to sedation. More doses may be needed. • If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position. • If you suspect a stimulant poisoning: ! Try to keep the person awake and help them stay calm. ! Cool them down with a damp washcloth on their forehead. ! If the person is having a seizure, move sharp or dangerous items away. How to recognize poisonings Different substances affect the body in different ways. Depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms of a poisoning may look different. Opioid poisoning symptoms: • bluish, purple, or greyish skin, lips, or nails (depending on skin tone) • dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake • choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds • slow, weak, or no breathing Stimulant poisoning symptoms:
• seizures or limb spasms or rigidity • chest pain, difficulty breathing, very shallow, or no breathing • drooling or frothing from the mouth • stroke-like symptoms: inability to speak clearly, numbness in the face, arms, or legs on one side of the body Benzodiazepines (benzos) poisoning symptoms Poisoning due to benzodiazepines may last for hours and may include: • extreme sleepiness or passing out • poor balance or movement control • slurred speech • blackouts and memory loss Share this warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug poisonings.
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