Fuel's role in everyday life goes well beyond the gas pump. Gasoline, including blends with renewable ethanol, helps people get to work and businesses reach their customers. Diesel powers trucks that stock grocery shelves, buses that connect communities and construction equipment that builds homes, roads and workplaces.
Toronto is Canada's largest urban centre, and the Greater Toronto Area is projected to add nearly 1.3 million residents between 2025 and 2051(Source: Government of Ontario). Planning for that growth means more than building homes. It means supporting the deliveries, transportation and industries that serve the people living in them. Dependable access to fuel is part of that preparation.
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Terminal, adjacent to CN's MacMillan Yard in Vaughn, Ontario, gives fuel suppliers a reliable route into Ontario. Gasoline, diesel and ethanol arrive by rail, move into on-site storage and leave by truck for shorter local deliveries. Rail handles the long haul. Trucks handle the final leg.
The partnership behind the terminal dates back to 2021. CN contributes the site, rail infrastructure and supply chain knowledge. Terminal Norcan brings expertise in developing and operating fuel terminals, while the fuel supplier provides the products and market knowledge. The City of Vaughan works with the project team on local planning and regulatory requirements.
Together, these contributions connect the fuel with the communities and businesses that need it.
Safety Protection Built InA dependable fuel supply starts with safe handling.
Safety guides tank placement, unloading systems, fire protection, spill containment, stormwater management and emergency-response planning. Protection systems beneath the storage tanks, infrastructure to manage stormwater and potential spills, and a dedicated fire-water network with hydrants across the site are all part of the terminal's design.
Environmental measures help protect soil, vegetation and wildlife, while close coordination with Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service supports emergency preparedness. Protecting employees, partners and surrounding communities remains central to daily operations. Learn more about the standards that guide CN's safe handling of dangerous goods.
Phase 1: Establishing operationsIn service since June 2024, Phase 1 provides:
- A streamlined rail-to-tank and tank-to-truck process
- On-site storage for multiple fuel products
- 24/7, year-round operations
By bringing larger volumes into the region by rail, the terminal reduces the need for long-distance truck movements while supporting local distribution.
In service since July 2026, Phase 2 builds on the foundation established in Phase 1, expanding the terminal while maintaining the same focus on safety, reliability and operational efficiency.
- 6 new unloading tracks
- 5 additional storage tanks
- Enhanced truck-loading systems
- Capacity to handle ~90 trucks per day at peak
- Capacity to handle 15,000+ cars per year
Customer input shapes this additional capacity, keeping it aligned with real market needs. The result is more room to serve the region's fuel needs without significantly expanding the terminal's footprint.
With a third phase projected for 2027, CN and its partners continue planning the terminal's next stage of development.
Every supply chain solution starts with understanding what a customer needs to move and where it needs to go.
CN works alongside customers and industry partners to turn those needs with rail infrastructure, strategically located land, operating expertise and long-term investment. Together, we help create new routes, add capacity and reach important markets.
Connect with your CN Account Manager or Business Development representative to start the conversation.
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