The Provincial Government Announces Funding for Large-scale Transit Improvements in the GTA
On April 10th, the provincial government unveiled plans for a transit expansion project in the Greater Toronto Area that will include:
- Ontario Line (potential completion by 2027): a new 15-kilometre light-rail line to run primarily underground from Ontario Place to the Ontario Science Centre.
- Yonge Subway Extension (potential completion by 2029-2030): extending Line 1 north from Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre.
- Scarborough Subway Extension (potential completion by 2030): a three-stop extension of Line 2 north from Kennedy Station, terminating at McCowan.
- Eglinton Crosstown West Extension (potential completion by 2031): extending into Etobicoke, with an ultimate intention to connect to Pearson Airport.
An expansion of public transit on this scale will necessitate the acquisition or expropriation of numerous privately-owned property interests to accommodate the new infrastructure. Numerous properties and business owners may be impacted, and requirements ranging from temporary working easements to permanent fee simple takings will likely be required. While these projects are still in a development stage, potentially impacted owners should stay updated on the plans.
Scargall Owen-King LLP is solely committed to the practice of expropriation law. We work closely with our clients to explain their options and achieve the best results. Acting as guides and advocates throughout the process, our lawyers carefully assess each individual situation and provide advice on issues such as fair market value compensation, business losses, injurious affection, relocation costs, and a variety of other impacts caused by expropriation.
To learn more about what you should expect if your property is acquired/expropriated for the planned transit developments, please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help.
