A Brief Look at the Effect of the ACR Passenger Train Subsidy Removal

A Brief Look at the effect Of the ACR Passenger Train Subsidy Removal

Table of Contents

Disclaimer ...... 3 Abbreviations/Glossary...... 4 Acknowledgements...... 5 Executive Summary ...... 6

Introduction History...... 7 Scope of Report ...... 8

Train Users Passenger...... 9 Stakeholders...... 10 Comments...... 33

Economics Promotional Efforts ...... 37 Economic Impact...... 39

Conclusion ...... 40

Recommendations ...... 41

Disclaimer

Note that this report makes a very critical assumption.

It assumes that passengers will be able to use the Agawa Canyon Tour Train to access properties/businesses from Sault Ste. Marie to the Agawa Canyon.

There has been no confirmation that the Agawa Canyon Tour Train will offer “Whistle Stops” along the way to the Canyon and back, providing access to properties on the way.

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train Summer/Fall Season currently is scheduled to run from Tuesday, June 24th to Monday, October 13th, 2014.

After 40 years of offering service, the Snow Train was cancelled November 19th, 2013. The first snow train of that season would have run Saturdays from late January until early March.

Abbreviations/Glossary

CN – Canadian National Railway

ACR – Algoma Central Railway

Mile Marker 10 – Each mile marker is counted from Mile 0 at the rail yard in Sault Ste. Marie. It allows for a set measurement to identify locations along the railway.

CAPT: Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains. CAPT was founded in the Spring of 2006 by those concerned with the deterioration of the Algoma passenger train service.

The Coalition consists of tourist operators, recreationists, environmentalists, municipalities and First Nations along the Algoma Central Railway (ACR) line, ACR retirees and former employees and community economic development professionals.

The vision of CAPT is point-to-point ACR passenger train service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst as a wilderness tourism rail corridor to facilitate regional economic development and to support and protect the area’s cultural and environmental heritage.1

SSM – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

1 http://usaskstudies.coop/socialeconomy/wp-content/uploads/Report_CL5_03_NO_opp3.pdf, Page 1

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the Municipality of Wawa and Mayor Linda Nowicki for this opportunity to present the following information in an attempt to provide another aspect into the importance of the ACR Passenger Rail Service to the Community of Wawa, Hawk Junction and most importantly, the people with vested interests along the ACR Railway.

Brenda Grundt

Executive Summary

On Monday, January 27th, media was informed by CAPT that CN had informed the Mayor of Hearst on Friday, January 24th that the Federal Government had ended the Passenger Rail Subsidy for the passenger rail service from Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst and as a result all passenger travel would cease on March 31st, 2014. On Monday, January 27th, in Sault Ste. Marie the CN employees and Mayor Debbie Amaroso were informed of that decision.

As a result, a number of private leaseholders and landowners, commercial outfitters, trappers and other entrepreneurs have been affected by this decision.

This is prime season for outfitters to be attending “Outdoor/Sportsman” shows in order to promote their business in larger city centres attracting visitors for the upcoming season. As a result many deposits on bookings have been taken on the basis of the train providing service.

Many citizens have also co-coordinated their vacation days at work and with other family members to make their trip(s) to their camps/cottages along the ACR.

With a mere 64 days notice, this decision leaves many with equipment/belongings stranded; and the necessities to reschedule if possible, alternate access. This applies not only to private citizens, but also to the commercial establishments who will now have to rely on the limited local commercial aircraft services to coordinate their bookings. Winter has also been particularly harsh this year, with an above average snowfall and extreme slush conditions on lakes and trails – limiting any attempt to snowmobile in at this time.

Since the decision to remove the passenger train subsidy was known in November, the delay by CN to inform its stakeholders was irresponsible and extremely inconsiderate. The two-month notice has the potential to lead to financial difficulty and heartbreak by many along the railway as they scramble to make alternate plans. “Lack of planning on CN’s part shouldn’t create a crisis for it’s customers.” This report sets out that many others are affected by the removal of the “Remote” designation, and that it should be redefined to account for the number of remote and historical seasonal residences and commercial enterprises along the ACR from Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst.

History

The Algoma Central Railway operates between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst.

The ACR was originally built and developed by Francis H. Clergue, and chartered on August 11, 1989. In 1995 Wisconsin Central Transportation purchased the ACR. In 1998, the Algoma Ore Division was closed, the mine flooded, the sinter plant removed, and the branch line between Michipicoten Harbour and Hawk Junction was abandoned.

Canadian National acquired Wisconsin Central Ltd. on October 9, 2001, whereupon the Algoma Central became part of Can’s Eastern Division.

The Algoma Central was the first Canadian railway to fully dieselize, in 1952.

In the 1960s, the railway began to promote the natural beauty of the District of Algoma to tourists, especially the Agawa Canyon, located at Mile 114 (183 km) and not accessible by road.

A tourist destination was created in the Canyon and it proved to be a great success for the railway. Owing to the popularity of the Agawa Canyon excursions, the Algoma Central would run the longest passenger trains in North America, often up to 20 to 24 cars long. During the 1970s and 1980s, around 100,000 people per year would tour Agawa Canyon.

Train Users

Passengers

There are a variety of people who use the ACR. Some travel to access their property; some to their business and their clients, snowmobilers, hikers, canoers, kayakers, trappers. The statistics collected do not differentiate between full fare passengers and those who only travelled partway. The author was unable to obtain passenger counts from 2010-2013.

Table 4 – Passenger Counts1 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total Count 12,640 10,646 7,843 6,970 6,093 44,192 2 Count 12,748 8,557 10,970 8,281 12,567 10,713 Factors which may have affected travel Service 11 2 0 4 Not 3 Interruptions Reported Service Service Winter Summer Reductions Reduction Service Service of 1 round Reduction Reduction trip per to 3 round Curtailing week trips per all 4 week weekend- only rail travel from 5 SSM USD vs CDN 1.55 1.55 1.40 1.25 1.2 1.15 1.05 1.1 1.12 SARS Passports Required 6 From May 2005 – August 2009 Arrival in Hearst was late 58% 7 From July 2004 – August 2009 Arrival in SSM was late 53%

1 http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/corporate-services/RAIL_PASSENGER_STEWARDSHIP-ENG.pdf Page 15, Table 4 2 Opportunity Study, Algoma Central Railway:Wilderness Tourism by Rail, Page 18 3 http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/corporate-services/RAIL_PASSENGER_STEWARDSHIP-ENG.pdf Page 20, Table 8 4 Opportunity Study, Algoma Central Railway:Wilderness Tourism by Rail, Page 18 5 Opportunity Study, Algoma Central Railway:Wilderness Tourism by Rail, Page 18 6 http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/corporate-services/RAIL_PASSENGER_STEWARDSHIP-ENG.pdf Page 27 7 http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/corporate-services/RAIL_PASSENGER_STEWARDSHIP-ENG.pdf Page 27

Stakeholders

Making the assumption that access will remain for stakeholders at the Agawa Canyon and points south to Sault Ste. Marie from June 24th to October 13th, 2014; this section displays a series of maps showing the buildings visible at that property. In this fashion, readers of this report can get a “birds’ eye” look at the extent of the properties affected by this decision. It has proven impossible at this time to identify all as either a leaseholder or owner of a land parcel.

The ACR did at one time offer the lease of a remote parcel of land at a significant discount in order to encourage leaseholders and ensure ridership.

Chadwick’s Kwagama Lake Lodge

To the west of the Agawa Canyon and Eton is Kwagama Lake where Chadwick’s Kwagama Lake Lodge is located (map above). This is the first commercial enterprise that will be affected. Specializing in spectacular brook trout fishing for 70 years, with a lodge and cottages for their visitors. Fascinating for their visitors, the brookies caught in Kwagama Lake have ruby red flesh similar to sockeye salmon. Although you can portage into neighbouring lakes for more fishing adventures these lakes offer brook trout with the normal grey/white flesh.

According to their website, you can access the lodge via train or by Hawk Air. Many customers appreciate the train experience, and the travel in the backcountry on abandoned logging roads to the camp. Kwagama Lake is open from early May to the close of the Brook Trout season on September 30th.

In a telephone interview, it was explained that over 50% of their clientele arrive by train. At this time 50% of their season is already booked. A loss of $40,000 in deposits only is anticipated should the passenger train service go ahead on March 31st. Although Kwagama Lodge is also serviced by Hawk Air, many of their customers will not avail themselves of that option for a number of reasons, including the fact that arrival by aircraft is a substantial price change. For those who will not fly in a bush plane, citing fear – the train is their only option. Although travel by bush plane is commonplace for many in the North, it can be perceived as an insurmountable risk/fear for many.

The comment was made that as a result of the removal of the passenger train subsidy, “a lot of businesses will go out. Some only have the train to access their lodge. Many north of us are going to lose their business, because all of them rely on the train to provide access to their business.”

Mile 120 “Eton”

Windy Lake Lodge & Redwood Enterprises (Outpost) – Mile 122.5 “Flag Stop”

Jake Flohr owns a camp on Vesi Lake, 2.5 miles west of Callahan Lake and that his family owned and visited for years. In January of 2010, Jake with partner, Rick Wohlfahrt purchased Windy

Lake Lodge on Callahan Lake, the next commercial establishment up the line. Their main lodge is on the shores of Callahan Lake at mile marker 122-1/2. This is a year-round business, which offers six separate cabins and a main lodge. Cabins can comfortably accommodate two to eight guests with housekeeping and all-inclusive options available. Jake’s family camp was transformed into Redwood Enterprises (Vesi Lake, and outpost of Windy Lake Lodge). There is a road, 44 miles of logging road that takes 3 hours on a good day to traverse that can be used by lease owners. Clients could fly-in but that would add substantial costs to the vacationer, and only the one lake is accessible by plane.

At this time Windy Lake has 30% to maybe 50% of their season already booked, fishing as well as moose/bear hunts are already committed at this time. If the closure of March 31st, it will result in the closure of Redwood Enterprises. That would be a loss of $10,000 in income. As this is a new business, in the process of being invested in, it isn’t valued as much as the main camp is. Should Windy Lake close, it was estimated that $30,000 in revenue would be lost. There was no estimation made as to the value of the actual camp itself. Jake questioned, “How can you just shut something down without asking those affected?”

Agawa at Mile 131

Millwood at Mile 132 “Flag Stop”

Sand Lake at Mile 138 “Flag Stop”

Tabor at Mile 141

For Rail Stops Anjigami, Perry, Limer, Hawk Junction, Alden, Goudrean, Dubreuilville, Wanda and Franz there appears to be road access. Depending on where the visitor is coming from it may be a substantial addition in mileage to get to their property, and without physically driving the

roads, impossible to determine type of vehicle required. Some of these bush roads are “roads” but only 4x4. As well it is impossible to determine at this time if roads are remainders of the forestry industry, and they have been abandoned, with entrance/egress blocked to prevent access to remote locations.

At Goudreau, if one has made arrangements, one can be ferried in to Loch Island Lodge (Wabatongushi Lake), Camp Lochalsh, or one of their outpost camps Sandy Bay, Otter Island, and new in 2013 – Isle of Jordan.

Loch Island Lodge is Centrally located on the southern half of Wabatongushi Lake, this 2½-acre island can accommodate up to 28 people. Loch Island's three large 3-bedroom cabins, 6-person duplex, and spacious 2-bedroom unit all are constructed of full logs. A central lodge with satellite television, pool table, tackle and gift shop, wireless internet access and dining room is located on the high point of the island.

Camp Lochalsh is our lakeside resort capable of accommodating up to 45 people for hunting or exclusive large American Plan groups.

Three miles south of Loch Island, located in the center of the lake, is beautiful Otter Island. This 4½-acre, heavily wooded gem is the ultimate in privacy. With only two log cabins, one on each end, you will appreciate the solitude and isolation that its location provides.

Nestled in a sandy cove, just 1½ miles north of Camp Lochalsh, are two beautiful log cabins and can host up to 12 people.

Access to this group of lodges is by plane, train or automobile: “Camp Lochalsh guests can drive all the way into camp, with detailed directions provided by us. The trip into Camp Lochalsh will wind through gravel roads, past working and abandoned gold mines and down the last 6 miles of "two track" directly to Camp Lochalsh.

Loch Island guests will traverse a private 20-mile gravel logging road through the Chapeau Crown Game Preserve to the “narrows” of the lake. From there we will be waiting to transport you via boat the remaining 7 miles down the lake to Loch Island.”

Errington’s Wilderness Island is also located on Lake Wabatongushi. They offer a variety of experiences for their guests, and they are also accessible by train or plane. It has been stated that at least 15 guests a week arrive by train to visit Errington’s.

Hilda at Mile Marker 208

Sonny-Bob Lodge at Mile 210 Located on Oba Lake, Sonny-Bob Lodge offers great fishing and hospitality! The lake – accessible only by float plane or train – is known for its great Walleye and Pike fishing. Other species include Jumbo Perch and Whitefish. Our cottages can sleep two to eight people comfortably, and come fully equipped with cooking utensils, fridge and stove. The camp may be small, with only 5 housekeeping units, but we are BIG on service!

For your comfort and safety on the water, we provide 14 foot aluminum boats equipped with 9.9 Mercury outboards. Oba Lake is easily navigated and so guiding services are not necessary. Each boat is provided with complimentary map with the “hot” spots marked. Family owned and operated since 1969, Sonny-Bob Lodge can definitely help make your next fishing trip one to remember!

Visitor’s blog in Ohio Game Fishing Community (July 2007)1 We left out Saturday afternoon, and headed through Toledo (the new bridge on I280 is a sight to see) & into that awful "Blue & Yellow State". We stopped in West Branch, MI for the night & resumed our trip in the morning. We drove through Mackinaw and into Sault St. Marie. There we took Highway 17 for about 150 miles to Wawa, Ontario. We hung a right in Wawa, and drove another 20 miles to Hawks Junction. This is where we caught our train. The train took us north for about 1.5 hrs. The views were simply breath taking, as it was almost all forests & little lakes up there.

We arrived at Sonnybob Lodge (www.sonnyboblodge.com) around 6:00 Sunday night.

By 8:30, we had unpacked everything and had eaten dinner. We also had an encounter with one of the ferocious wild animals that Canada in known for. (chipmunk photo)

Now it was time to do what we came for....sleeping (LOL) .... Launched off the dock that night around 8:45 and by 9:00 had hooked up with my first pike. Caught on a RR Deep diver (Pearl Ghost) around 75 ft. back. My first pike ever.

Monday morning was pretty slow. Late morning, my uncle (member- WOZ), hooked into a nice pike with a gold Erie Dearie & worm. A little while later, I caught the big fish of the week, a 27" pike, on a Confusion RR about 90 feet back.

Monday afternoon, while trying some perch fishing, I accidentally caught this 13.5" hawg, my only 'eye for the trip.

My brothers each caught small pike. Tuesday brought a very slow day, recovering from a few rain showers on Monday. That afternoon, my brothers located a nice little honey-hole for a few perch. We ended up pulling about 20 keepers (nothing bigger that 10") from that spot over the

1 http://www.ohiogamefishing.com/community/showthread.php?t=74946

afternoon, and had a nice fish fry that night for dinner.

Wed. brought hopes for a nice catches, after a near perfect day (weather wise on Tuesday.) We started off with Woz nailing a nice pike early on in the morning, and I landed a nice one later in the morning on a Eriedescent RR at 100 ft.

We reported a few pike here & there along with (what they say) were a couple of 18-24" muskies, and a pair of 18" 'eyes. Frustration began to set in early on our boat, and we went back to the perch honey-hole in the early afternoon. There, Woz proceeded to catch to nice 11.5" & 12" jumbos, along with a few extra keeper size perch.

Once the bite died in the late afternoon, we headed in for an early kielbasa dinner (didn't think we'd forget to bring THAT with us...did ya?- eh?). After dinner, went for some late evening (sun didn't go down until 10:15 to 10:30) Woz nailed a nice pike on a green Erie Dearie with a yellow twister tail grub on the fist pass in front of the cabin. On the next pass, I nailed a 26" with the Pearl Ghost RR at 75 ft. We made a few more passes, and for "SH### & Giggles", Woz decided to bring out the "MEGA Lure", which is a roughly 6" long by 3.5" wide spoon painted yellow with pink triangles on it. The treble hook looks like something that you can use to scale a wall. We made a few passes with this thing on, and it felt as though you were dragging a fish with you), when all of a sudden, Woz's rod tries to rip its self out of the boat. When he finally gets this thing reeled in, lo & behold....he actually caught a pike with it ! ! ! !

I think that was the best moment of the trip, Catching something on this humongous lure. All-in-all, it was an excellent trip, as we were able to spend time together as a family, and everyone caught a few fish to keep the spirits high.

I would like to say "Thank You" again to our hosts, Bob & Pat Curtis of Sonnybob Lodge (www.sonnyboblodge.com) for providing the accommodations & beautiful views. If you can get a chance to experience their hospitality, take the trip. They have been there for 30+ years, but act fast, as they are trying to sell the cabins (if you are looking for an investment, here is your chance.)

(L-R; Stoshu, My Brothers Mike & Ron, Woz, Doug & John-Paul (from Springfield, OH - our neighbors for the week), Pat & Bob Curtis)

Mike Curtis I have rode the train to our family lodge since 1969.

Not only have we collected a great deal of personal property that would be stranded but it would also isolate a great many lodges to individuals that have worked a life time to grow. This decision has long reaching implications that touch countless families that have worked decades to build businesses with an expectation of passing that family business to their children.

This decision will virtually “wipe out” those businesses and then the properties that have been developed to become virtually worthless.

Taking access away from this beautiful part of the country would be extremely unfortunate and I would like to suggest this decision be highly reconsidered.

Thank you in advance for your efforts to get this decision repealed.

Bob Curtis, I am an US citizen and therefore my interest and concerns may not be as important to you as if I was Canadian citizen. I have never missed a year of using the ACR to access the remote experience that has meant so much to me since I was a child in 1951.

Yes 1951!

Sixty-three years of different governments that had the foresight to know the importance of having individuals experience your untamed wilderness areas.

Starting with my Great-grandfather to my grandchildren, which is six generations, have come up to the Sault, Hawk Junction, Wawa, and Hearst areas. Every time using the Algoma Central Railway. As a family we have spent several thousands of dollars, which went into your economic.

It seems like your government is willing to spend millions to billions of dollars to try and get the American dollar to visit large cities like Vancouver, Montreal or Toronto. Which is no different than Americans staying home and visiting cities like New Your, Chicago or San Francisco.

I don’t know of anywhere in the United States that can compete with a trip on the ACR. It isn’t a Disney World make believe ride.

It is a true experience to a remote part of the world that will no longer exist.

The thought of losing one of Canadians unique experiences is unbelievable to me. I hope your government will reconsider.

Tracy Ann Curtis, Kilauea, Hawaii, USA I ask for your leadership support to overturn the recent decision to stop passenger service from Sault Ste. Marie to Heart.

Perhaps it was not clear how many people would be impacted by a decision like this when leaders sat around an executive table and decided running the train did not have high enough ROI. Regardless of how the decision was made, it is one that impacts many businesses and families who have have built a livelihood and lifestyle with cottages along this route. While the boom of tourism have decreased over the years, it remains a large part of Northern Ontario. There are thousands of dedicated people who travel to fishing lodges and camps along the ACR, year after year. There are no roads to access many of these places, which adds to the experience of being in

the remote north and the beauty of this country.

Continuing this service is also a personal request as my family has has property and a business along this route for over 60 years and halting service has devastating consequences to our livelihood and the investments made over the years - including accessing property, furnishings and the hope of passing this family business on to the next generation. I have personally rode this train since 1969 and believe a decision like this is very short-sighted and does not account for the thousands who have land and lives in this part of the country.

Passenger service along this route from the Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst is essential and must be reinstated without interruption. This is both a personal plea for reconsideration and a request for active and thoughtful leadership - leadership that considers the personal impact to thousands and has a broader vision of business success.

Thank you for doing the right thing.

K. Marion Miller In 1972 I made my first trip on the ACR to OBA Lake. I have been there every year since sometimes 2,3 and 4 times a year. Without the train this will all stop. I can't believe the gov't will abandon all these people along this rail that make their liveliehood by the use of the train. Without the ACR tourism to Canada will plummet. Took my 4 children to Oba lake on the ACR for years, Then added my 6 grandchildren. This was a vacation they all loved We are all sad to hear this may end. We had our next trip planned for June 2014. I guess big Government throws the little guy under the train.

I, and several friends bought 2 cabins at Oba Lake (mile post 212) from Gene Mcfarland who built the cabins in the late 1970s.

We had been going to Oba Lake fishing starting in 1972 and staying at Woods cabins. Mr. Mcfarland was the previous owner of Woods Cabins. After selling Woods Cabins he built our 2 cabins and moved there with his wife, Sue and her parents Sam and Evelyn Woods. After they became too old to maintain the cabins as he would have liked he suggested we buy them.

After we bought them we took our children and later our grandchildren to Oba Lake every year for a family vacation. And some of the family went several times a year. 10 of us planned on going to Oba Lake in June of this year. On our trip from Indiana to Canada and Oba Lake we always stopped at the Canadian Carver along Highway 17. We bought many Christmas gifts and Misc items for the family and friends. I doubt very much the Big Bear Hotel and restaurant at Hawk Junction will be in business without the train stopping at Hawk Junction.

At Wawa we bought Groceries and gas for our use at Oba Lake. And of course, because of our distance from home we used Canadian Motels and Restaurants.

We could take all, our luggage, Groceries, gas for the boats, and fishing equipment on the train.

Now if the train doesn’t run we have to fly in which is too expensive for many people and we cannot take gas with us on the plane and groceries and luggage is limited to 100 lbs per person.

Between friends and owners there were 30 to 50 people made this trip every Year. That will all change with the limited flying options. Many businesses will be hurting along highway 17 without the ACR. Also many fish camps that depended on the ACR from the Soo to Hearst will have to go out of business. And that will hurt the overall tourism business for that part of Canada.

We have not calculated the financial loss due to no train being available, but it is MAJOR.

There is no road access to Oba Lake.

Woods Cabins at Mile 212, Oba Lake Located on 8 acres with a rare white sandy beach shoreline. We're the original fishing camp on Oba lake and remain a family-run establishment devoted to preserving its unique true wilderness atmosphere. There's no electricity, no noisy generators, just the haunting calls of loons and gentle waves lapping at the shore to lull you to sleep at the end of the your memorable day.

Woods Cabins offers a Finnish sauna and hot show for their guests as well as a cozy recreation room, and a diving platform at the beach.

Woods Cabins has a “testemonial” page on their website, that features a number of comments/stories of how their customers enjoyed their visit. Some have written a small report on their holidays, and other detail how their families have patronized Woods for generations, 30 years!1

1 http://www.woodscabins.com/testemonials.html

Pam Gortney I was 12 years old the first time I visited the Canadian wilderness on this train. My family stayed at Woods cabins on Oba lake mile maker 212.

This was my father’s favorite place on this earth, he has since passed but I am always closest to him when I am there. I remember his last trip there. This saddens me greatly.

I am now 53 and I still visit at least once a year. I know some of the workers on the train and trapper George. They have become good friends over the years. This is also there lively hood.

I would ask that you please reconsider. Times are changing and life is at a very fast pace these days. It's time to go back to a slower pace and this trip is good way to do it.

Thanks you for reconsidering,

Sincerely Pam Gortney.

Tatnall at Mile 215.5

At Tatnall, one can get off and enjoy the hospitality of Rolly and Linda Lebrun (Wawa). They have been offering vacations for 39 years. They have six cottages, which can only be accessed by rail or plane. Many of their guests train in and fly out – so that they can offer their families the best of both experiences!

Rolly and Linda Lebrun This rail line has been used by our business for 39 years. We offer all season train-in vacations- railroad travel is used by guests/staff as well as for freight shipments. Our guest surveys indicate that this is a unique wilderness experience by rail.

98% of our guests use this line, with many boarding at Hawk. Some board from the Sault to view the Agawa Canyon. Wawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Dubreuilville, Hawk Junction and Hearst will all be impacted if the Sault-Hearst train is cancelled.

We're asking the Federal government to continue the necessary funding to keep this train viable, as they have for many decades through various economic times.

There are multiple users such as: local/area residents, cottage owners, canoeists and various entrepreneurs and tourists.

We encourage businesses and individuals to write letters of concern to keep this train not only running but as a continued asset to our area, suggesting any valuable input. Write your MP soon with your thoughts!

George Karasek A local trapper (Wawa resident) stands to lose all his trapping equipment at Mosher and a cottage at Oba. With access stopping at March 31st, he will not be able to retrieve all of his equipment and stands to lose an estimated value of $20,000.

There are two other local trappers that are affected by this.

He explains, “There will be many people concerned about passenger train service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hawk Junction – mainly private cottage owners. I am about to say something about how termination of passenger service north of Hawk Junction to Hearst will affect private cottage owners and business people. There are no private roads and the logging roads are mostly abandoned and gated.

As a trapper, I will be losing the only access to my trap line. There never was road access to my trap line on Oba Lake. With notice of termination in mid-January and snow conditions I have no chance of evacuating my equipment out of three cabins on my trap line.

The estimated value of my equipment is over $20,000. I own 3 cabins, 2 canoes, 5 boats, 5 outboard motors, 3 chainsaws, a lawnmower, ATV, snowmobile, 300 traps, satellite phone base, 2 propane freezers, 3 propane stoves, 3 woodstoves, 3 propane tanks, and many household items which are needed to live on my trap line for a week at a time. I use the train to bring my furs out and to bring more supplies in.

With the cancelling of the passenger train there is no chance to pass the trap line to another trapper. The train is the only way to get there. There will be a considerable loss of income from my occupation and there will also be a considerable impact on wildlife if furbearing animals are not harvested on a regular basis.

There are many individuals and businesses north of Hawk Junction, which rely on the passenger train. When the train leaves Hawk Junction, the first stop is a section house at Alden. Then there is Goudreau Crossing where a fishing camp operator meets his clients. At Mile 182 there are two camps – one on the island and one on the far shore of Herman Lake where there are usually 6 – 10 people every time all from the USA. There are usually people on the road crossing flagging the train going north.

At Dubreuilville, people occasionally flag the passenger train. People also access the section houses at Wanda and Scully. Mile 206 is the stop for a tourist outfitter, Errington’s Wilderness Lodge with at least 15 people every week. Also Mile 206 has three private cottages and then there is a section house at Hilda. At Mile 208 ¼ there is a trapper’s camp and at Mile 210 there is Sonny Bob’s Lodge and a private camp. There is a private camp at Mile 211, a tourist camp and two

private cottages at Mile 212, a private camp at Mile 213 and at 215 ½ there is a tourist camp and two private cottages. Mosher has a trapper’s camp and is an occasional stop for loggers.

Mile 221 has a private cottage, followed by the Akron section house, a cottage at 234 ½ and two cottages at 236. At Oba passengers change trains from CN to the VIA passenger. There is a section house at Norris and a cottage at 253.8 and two cottages at Hansen. Many people depend on this passenger service.

People come north from Hawk Junction on canoe trips to Mile 206 going east, to Oba Lake going north to Oba and to Mile 247 going east. There are snowmobiles coming from Hawk to Hearst and to Hawk from the Sault. There is also mail coming weekly from the Sault to Oba.

It is very important to have a rail link to the Sault, especially in winter time when Highway 17 is closed at least two times a week. People may have medical reasons or may need to get there for air line connections to other destinations. The reliability of that train has always been there – or used to be.”

From Oba at Mile 245 there are a number of tourism outfitters who offer rail as an access to their Lodges: Ontario North Fishing Adventures, McBride’s Fishing Camp, and Pine Portage Lodge. After Oba, there appears to be road access for points until Hearst.

Source CAPTrains, 2007

Comments

Janine Manino My family has owned a lake cabin just off the tracks for over 40 years. We have taken the train into the cabin several times every summer, bringing in all of our weeks supplies for groups of any where from 4 to 12 people. We now travel up there with three generations and can not imagine not driving to Hawk to chat with Kathy and grab "the best burger and fries, ever" over at the Big Bear. I can see limiting the runs North and South but shutting down the train completely seems like a drastic and harsh solution.

Tammy Asselin Although our use of the ACR passenger train does not affect us to the degree of so many other individuals with camps, etc., it is certainly a huge disappointment to us. Our 16 year old son, plays hockey in the community of Hearst and along with some of his teammates have used the passenger train on many occasions to travel to and from home and Hearst via Hawk Junction. With no bus service to get to Hearst via Hornepayne or Timmins, the train has been his option. As parents, we could travel the 3.5 hours to drive him and turn around and drive home, but with the winter weather and horrific road conditions, frequently one of the highways along the way is closed, so the train has been a much safer alternative for him to travel. What another disappointment for the folks of Northern Ontario!

Amy Yowell This is very disturbing news. As the rail is the only way our family gets to our yearly vacation spot where we have taken vacations for the last 40 years, With four generations enjoying the Canadian wilderness. we have always enjoyed going to heart jumps in nervous with Kathy at the train station and of course our lunch at the Big Bear. please reconsider and run at least one day north and one day south during the weekend.

Kent Molica Myself, family and friends go on the Algoma railway every year on the way to fishing camps. We spend the night in Wawa, buy supplies there then take the train north.

Sad to think this is ending. Sad to think of the economics that wawa will suffer. Sometimes it seems like the Goverment wants to drive everyone out of the north woods. Guess will go some where else!

David Celetti Bryan..The good workers at C N Sault Ste. Marie Ont. are very concerned about the loss of Passenger service and JOBS it brings ..please do you best to keep this going and secure for every one involved...

Gary Northrup At 2:37 on the video is a shot of the front of our camp. We have 10 members half of whom will not be able to get there as the are unable to make the 17 mile ATV ride through some rough country. It is our slice of heaven and I hate to see it go away.

Joe Versaggi As an American tourist, 10 years ago, I rode the ONR Northlander overnight to Cochrane, the connecting van service to Hearst witha quick breakfast stop at The Kap, stayed overnight, and rode the ACR local down to the Sault.

It goes without saying you would have gotten exactly Zero dollars of my tourist money without those trains. Your Prime Minister has this wacky idea that there shall not be a train if there is also a highway. If we did that in The States, the entire Amtrak long distance network would be down to a stub train between Williston, ND and Spokane, WA, just like your Sudbury - White River RDC.

Heather McCracken My family owns a cabin along the ACR. We have been coming to camp about 50 years. We are grandparents, great-grand parents, parents, grand children and great-grand children and we come from Colorado, North Carolina, North Dakota and Michigan to spend time together at our family's place. We depend on the ACR and get our family to the lake. This is a legacy that, plain and simply, should not stop. Even if CN and the Canadian Govt. want to operate once a week, please do not stop the train and leave our family's legacy high and dry. We are just one of hundreds that DEPEND on this railway system. We pray this decision will be rescinded and overturned.

carolyn Zarudenec I for one have never used this railway I know a lot of people that have camps up there and have had for years if you stop this train how will these people get to their camp which they worked hard for and put so much love energy and money into the camps I think that the railway needs to stay open for these reasons alone.Please take heart how would you like it if you paid all you're life for you're camp was ripped from your reach think about that ted strolenberg I live in Sutton Ontario. My family and friends have used the Algoma train several times over the past years to go to places such as Hubert Lakes and a couple of resorts along the rail that are only accessible by rail. I am retiring this year and was planning a couple of trips into Hubert Lakes and area this year and hopefully in following years as well. I am very disappointed to read about this decision to stop the passenger service on the Algoma Central. I do hope that this decision will be reconsidered. It is a beautiful area for canoeing etc and I would truly like to continue travelling to this part of Ontario.

Ann and David Blombach Here’s a copy of the letter we sent to Carol Hughes and Bryan Hayes. We figure the government

needs to know how much people care, including “foreigners” like us who have been contributing a lot of money to the Canadian economy for a very long time. They don’t even need to spend money on advertising to entice us to continue bringing our “tourist resident” dollars to Canada...

Dear Bryan and Carol, We are not your constituents because we are U.S. citizens (although we wish we could be Canadian citizens), but my husband and I along with our Canadian dog live in Northern Ontario about half the year (mid July through mid October and mid February through mid May). We were first introduced to the beauty of Northern Ontario by going on the Algoma Central Train Tour in 1973. We instantly fell in love with the area and wanted to spend as much time there as we could. We leased our little bit of heaven from the ACR (on a remote lake near Hawk Junction) starting in 1974. The ACR at that time encouraged people to lease land that could only be reached by railway by offering lower lease rates to those who then would have to buy a rail ticket each and every time they wanted to visit their own leased land. We were tempted by that, but decided it wouldn’t really save us money, given how much time we planned to spend at our special place every year. Our hearts go out to the many people who did accept that “bargain,” and are now faced with the very real possibility that they will no longer be able to reach their second homes.

In the intervening years, we have personally spent tens of thousands of dollars in Northern Ontario (probably hundreds of thousands by now—we’re afraid to add it up) that we would never have spent in Canada, let alone in Northern Ontario, if we hadn’t taken that ACR train ride and then been able to lease our dream property. Our original lake cabin was not habitable in the winter, so we bought a little house in Hawk Junction in addition to—eventually—being able to buy 27 acres of land on “our” lake. (It’s worth noting that we had to pay a large amount of GST just on that purchase because we bought the land from a corporation.) We’re also building a much larger, winterized house on our lake. The two houses account for a lot of our expenditures, but we obviously also have many months of Canadian living expenses each year, not to mention paying taxes, hydro, etc. I’m sure that we are not unique and that the amount of money other ACR leaseholders have spent in Northern Ontario would be impressive if anyone could add it all up.

I’ve heard that the corporate successors to the ACR are no longer issuing any new leases, but it still seems incredibly shortsighted, and not even economically sound, to withdraw support from the railway passenger service. ACR cottage owners will no longer be spending their money in Northern Ontario if they can’t go to their cottages. Sault Ste. Marie will surely suffer a large economic loss in terms of motel and restaurant and other tourist income (even more if the Tour Train is cancelled), as will Wawa and our beloved Hawk Junction. Northern Ontario is a long way from Ottawa and Toronto, but that just makes it more special, not less.

But most of all, I can’t believe the government would, in effect, deny access to so many cottages that mean SO much to so many families. In addition, the timing couldn’t be worse. They’re not even allowing passenger service to continue into the summer so that people would have a chance to at least remove their belongings from their cottages. This move makes the government seem truly heartless, which may indeed be the case, but do they have to make it so dreadfully obvious?

Thank you for your attention. I hope you can help reverse this terrible decision.

Promotional Efforts

Since its launch in 1974, the Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association, a not-for-profit, membership- based organization, has worked together with local and regional operators, outfitters, communities and all levels of government to promote tourism in the region of Algoma.

Algoma Country has spent a significant amount of time and resources developing a new “brand”.

The ACR has also done rebranding and their website promotes not only the rail experience, but has direct information and links to the businesses that help create an entire package adventure…

A partnership with Algoma Kinniwabi Tourism Ass, Best Northern Motel, CAPT, Gary & Joann McGuffin, Wawa Motor Inn and the Municipality of Wawa has created a Group of Seven & Glenn Gould 2014 Train Event. This event is in the fledging years and may prove to be a success – but it requires passenger service to Hawk Junction from Sault Ste. Marie. This experience was developed as part of a Master Plan to Develop and Launch Group of Seven Tourism Experiences in Algoma.1

“The ACR marketing includes “Rails to Trails” snowmobile excursions, “Wilderness by Rail”— promoting the activities offered by the area’s adventure travel/eco-tour operators— and the well know Agawa Canyon Tour. Marketing materials highlight how visitors can travel between Sault

1 http://tourismnorthernontario.com/files/destinaton-development-documents-reports/group-of-seven- tourism-product-executive-summary-final-for-distribution-low-res.pdf

Ste. Marie and Hearst, on the regular passenger train or in vintage (built in 1913) private cars which offer private steward service and lounge and dining facilities. For extended stays, the ACR markets the “Camp Car”—a former Green Bay and Western caboose set-off on a private siding in the Agawa Canyon fully equipped for outdoor adventure.”1

1 http://usaskstudies.coop/socialeconomy/wp-content/uploads/Report_CL5_03_NO_opp3.pdf, Page 11

Economic Impact

It is quite clear that with the removal of the Passenger Train Subsidy, a number of businesses will fail completely, and other suffer a significant decrease in income. The extra costs of air freighting in supplies will decrease their profits as well. The cost to clients to fly in is substantially different as well – provided that it can be offered to the lodges on smaller lakes.

The employees at these lodges that close will also lose their jobs, and the businesses that serve the lodge – groceries, fuel, camp supplies will also suffer losses.

The commercial airservices would be expected to see an increase in business, but that may be difficult. With increased demand, air services may have to purchase more aircraft to serve the lodges.

The trappers who use the train to access their traplines will lose their jobs. It may prove impossible to retrieve their belongings resulting in further financial loss.

The families that have invested in buying, building, creating a “heaven” away from home – will no longer have access. Flying in is only an option for those on lakes large enough to accommodate the float plane – and as stated previously, a substantial price difference.

Conclusion

It is a difficult decision being made. The removal of the Passenger Train Subsidy will harm many with the loss of their investment, private and commercial. There has been no statistics showing if the concerted efforts to promote tourism in the rail corridor is working. The face of tourism is continually shifting, and nature based tourism is on the rise. The use of history, and sharing experiences “travelling in the footsteps of the Group of Seven” is beginning to gain traction. CAPT in Sault Ste. Marie has created several experiences along the rail that have become very popular!

CN itself, must take some blame for declining ridership. Statistics show that the rail service is late more than 50% of the time. Granted that is placed at the requirement to allow freight to pass by the passenger train – the perception is that passenger service is not valued. Substantial investment has been made on the Agawa Tour Train for creature comforts. However, on the 8 and half hour journey to Hearst from the Soo – there is no food service. There is a coffee pot, and a microwave for passenger use though. It may act as an attraction “rustic”!

There has not been any discussion on how to offer any other sort of passenger service along that corridor. In fact, although the decision was made in November to remove the subsidy, CN only notified the public of that decision on January 24th. This has created a huge problem for lodges who are in the middle of their trade show circuit – taking bookings and deposits for this summer and fall.

There is no information available to determine if maintaining passenger service once or twice a week via a Budd car service turning around in Oba. With no commercial lodges beyond that point, and the appearance of road access north of Oba, perhaps offering an in/out run on Fridays, might be enough to keep the lodges going, and allow for future tourism planning.

This is a difficult decision for those to comprehend – especially since the federal government comment that this is an action of a private corporation (CN) and they (government) would not interfere, was also preparing to intervene with back-to-work legislation in case the employees of that private corporation decided to strike.

Recommendations

This report recommends a deeper look into the ridership statistics from 2010 to present. A detailed looked into where a passenger goes: Searchmont, Agawa, Millwood, Goudreau, Oba would be helpful in determine where service is desired.

Once that has been determined, the offering of perhaps a Budd Car Service would be enough to cope with the current level of service.

The idea of over knighting the train in Oba, turning around there to return to SSM – may be a practical way to continue service at a lessor cost. There is road service for points north of Oba.

At the least, service should continue for the year 2014. This would allow for stakeholders to assess the situation, and make appropriate decisions to protect or salvage their property.

During the extended year, a small reduced fare promotion could be made for medical visits in Sault Ste. Marie via the medical community. With highway closures so prevalent along the Highway 11 and Highway 17 corridors, this may be a viable option, particularly if specialists are available in Sault Ste. Marie.

At that time, Dec 2014 the statistics should be reevaluated with detail from all stops to determine the usage, and formulate any further plans.