Ontario Northland’s annual Christmas train is feeling the impact of something affecting a lot of businesses and industries in the north, according to ONTC spokesperson Rebecca McGlynn.
“Ontario Northland is facing a skilled trades shortage right now and that event takes a lot to operate, decorate and overall organize,” she outlines. “This year we’re going to put it on pause and look for other community activities to do, be present in the various communities that we serve.”
That means sponsoring and participating holiday events, including in towns that aren’t on the rail line.
“Right now, we’re looking at a lot of Christmas parades, free skates in the communities as well as all sorts of different things,” says McGlynn. “Every community seems to have their own flavour of events and we just want to make sure that Ontario Northland is visible and present in celebrating the holidays with the communities we serve.”
A bus driver based in Timmins has already suggested a float in the November 16th Santa Claus Parade downtown.