Book Review - Call of the Northland - Thomas Blampied

This book builds on the existing historical accounts of Ontario Northland which are listed in the Bibliography. The author uses a personal trip on the Northlander as the setting for the first seven chapters and that allows him to tie in many stories from various spots along the line.   Ontario Northland has a long history in the region and the diversity of the literary sidetrips show how interwoven the corporation has become to the economy and the people in their service area.

After the photo essay in Chapter Eight, the book turns to the divestment phase of Ontario Northland after that fateful announcement in March of 2012.  There is a lot of attention paid to the political manoeuvring and the reaction of interested groups and media.  Again, the length of time the divestment phase takes, the number and diversity of the groups affected and the reversal of most of the original decision speaks volumes about the complexity of finding the best way to deliver its services.

The author obtained ridership numbers from ONTC, (after much delay...MDNM will not release information willingly) that clearly show "stagnant ridership" was not a legitimate excuse to shut down the Northlander.  

Instead, the factors that contributed to increased subsidies are examined in Chapter 15, "What Went Wrong"  There are many contributing factors that are presented in no particular order.  The book is focussed on the Northlander and since the cancellation of that train is but one impact of the overall picture, the root causes are briefly presented as evidence that decision was unfounded. 

The history of Ontario Northland and its implications for government policy in regions of the province, other than the GTA, is a complex subject that could withstand much more scrutiny.  This book adds to that discussion by highlighting a very important component of that policy, which has been neglected and cast aside...rail transportation.

In addition the book generates awareness of the larger picture which is being distorted in the name of cost-cutting.  The value of the services provided by ONTC and the impact of them in the future of this province warrants a great deal more research and discussion by those who will feel them most intensely.  MNDM does not have the capacity to oversee such an important piece of the economy in Northern Ontario and the indifference that has caused needs to be addressed.

My hope is that the author will continue to cover and expand on the continuing story referred to, in the last line of the book.



http://www.northland-book.net/