TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) completed the modernization of its Toronto Maintenance Centre, a major milestone in the Corporation's vision to build a stronger passenger rail system in Canada.

The new facilities combine purpose-built infrastructure, advanced technology and modern maintenance capabilities to support the reliability, performance and longevity of VIA Rail's new Corridor fleet of 32 bidirectional trainsets, while continuing to service existing equipment.

Funded by a $310 million investment from the Government of Canada, the 4-year project was delivered on budget and generated significant benefits in Canada. It supported up to 475 jobs in skilled trades and construction, and more than 80 per cent of the project's content was Canadian. Over its lifecycle, the Toronto Maintenance Centre will continue to sustain nearly 240 permanent jobs.

"The completion of the Toronto Maintenance Centre is a concrete demonstration of how VIA Rail is modernizing passenger rail in Canada," said Mathieu Paquette, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail Canada. "This facility gives our teams the infrastructure and technology they need to maintain our trains more efficiently, improve fleet availability and support a more reliable, accessible and comfortable experience for our passengers. It is another important step in redefining the travel experience in Canada."

A state-of-the-art home for train maintenance 

The upgraded Toronto Maintenance Centre transforms an aging facility into a high-performance maintenance hub. Expanded maintenance bays and inspection platforms, preventive and corrective maintenance tracks compatible with trainsets of up to ten cars, under-track pits, and roof- and car-level work platforms allow maintenance teams to work around the train in a single integrated location.

The facility also includes specialized heavy-maintenance equipment, including a stand-alone wheel lathe and a bogie drop table, as well as upgraded yard tracks designed to improve train movements and reduce operational bottlenecks. Fuel-plant improvements add new sanding, windshield-washer-fluid and diesel-exhaust-fluid systems to support current and next-generation equipment.

As part of a move toward more predictive, data-driven maintenance, a new Vehicle Equipment Measurement System (VEMS) was also added. By providing real-time monitoring, diagnostics and early fault detection, VEMS will help reduce unplanned downtime, extend asset life and keep more trains available and ready for service.

Redefining the travel experience in Canada

The completed Toronto Maintenance Centre is part of VIA Rail's broader transformation, alongside the new Corridor fleet, the renewal of its long-distance, regional and remote fleet, and projects such as the Dorval Multimodal Hub. Together, these investments are strengthening passenger rail across the country and helping VIA Rail deliver a modern, dependable, accessible and sustainable journey for Canadians from reservation to destination.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada's investment in VIA Rail's Toronto Maintenance Centre is supporting skilled jobs and Canadian industry while helping build a more reliable passenger rail system. With modern facilities to maintain VIA Rail's new Corridor fleet, this project will help keep trains in service and Canadians connected. It is a concrete example of how investing in transportation infrastructure strengthens our economy and improves travel for Canadians."

— The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Through the Government of Canada's investment, the modernized facilities at VIA Rail's Toronto Maintenance Centre represent a significant step in strengthening the transportation infrastructure Canadians rely on. In addition to supporting skilled jobs throughout construction and operation, the centre will help improve connections between communities and the broader economy."

— The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour) and Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North

"This announcement is another major milestone in transforming our passenger rail system in Canada into a modern and efficient fleet that will improve Canadians' lives. It is also a local success story in Etobicoke-Lakeshore for jobs and will continue building the community at large."

— James Maloney, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke—Lakeshore

Access the comprehensive media kit here: https://we.tl/t-3GHuKJ7OXaf6msaJ

About VIA Rail

VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to operate the national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada, and to provide a safe, accessible, efficient, reliable, sustainable, and environmentally responsible service that meets the needs of Canadians. VIA Rail operates intercity trains connecting over 400 communities across Canada and ensuring rail transportation services to regional and remote communities. The Corporation safely transported over four million passengers in 2025 and has received nine safety awards and three environmental awards from the Railway Association of Canada. For more information, visit our website: https://corpo.viarail.ca/en. 

SOURCE VIA Rail Canada Inc.