Residents of Riverdale incensed over Metrolinx's proposal to take houses

Several residents in Toronto's Riverdale neighbourhood say they're furious to learn their homes are being expropriated for construction of the new Ontario Line subway route — after being assured their properties would not be affected.

Peggy Leung's home is one of the 25 properties on Pape Avenue between Langley and Riverdale Avenue required by Metrolinx for the construction. Also among the properties is Riverdale Learning Loft, a brand new daycare.

Leung says the news of losing her home of 14 years has been consuming her. She grew up in Riverdale and runs her business from her home as well.

"I get a knock on the door, they say, 'We're taking your house.' Just like that," she said.

"I can't eat. I can't sleep. I am sick to my stomach."

Residents who spoke to CBC News say they were initially told their properties would not be required. Metrolinx says it now has a better understanding of local soil conditions and the possible impact of tunnelling, saying the 25 properties are vulnerable to potential structural impacts like cracks in foundations, walls and door frames.

Construction of the Ontario Line — a 15.6-kilometre subway line — began in December 2021 and is expected to be complete in 2031.

The province broke ground on the Pape Station in July. It says the station will connect commuters on the Ontario Line with the TTC's Line 2 Bloor-Danforth station. It also says the station will eventually see more than 9,000 transfers during the morning rush hour alone and help reduce crowding on other subway lines by 15 to 20 per cent.

Residents impacted by the recent notice say the communication from Metrolinx has not been clear or respectful.

"Over the last several years, Metrolinx has been stuffing letters in our mailboxes and telling the home owners that these properties are not going to be taken," said Laura Cree-Macdonald, who rents one of the impacted properties.

"They said they won't require it and that's changed. People have made decisions on their lives based on this."

Metrolinx says it's acquiring 'necessary' properties

In a statement, Metrolinx says it is acquiring the properties out of an abundance of caution and to ensure absolute safety for the neighbourhood and its residents.

"We only acquire properties that are absolutely necessary, and we always aim to alert property owners and tenants as early as possible when it is determined that the property may be needed," the statement said.

"We work directly with every single property owner and tenant, from the onset, to reach amicable agreements as we know the process can be challenging."

Metrolinx said owners are compensated at fair market value for properties, based on appraisals conducted by external accredited appraisers.

It says after the construction, engineering assessments will be conducted at each home to assess any damage and make necessary repairs.

"We are looking at all potential options and we will be discussing them individually with owners throughout the process," Metrolinx said.

Residents worry homes will be sold at higher prices.

It did not confirm whether the transit agency will be reselling the properties — but that's what residents say they were told by Metrolinx staff at the most recent information meeting.

"If you want your old house, it's going to be much more, because real estate increases," said Leung. "I said that's stupid. Just give us money to live somewhere else for two years."

"I am not happy. It's just not right what they're doing," said Leung.

Higher home prices are a major concern for both tenants and homeowners impacted. Residents say they asked Metrolinx staff about temporary relocation during the construction, but were told that wasn't an option.

Resident Clara Garcia also expressed concerns at the meeting.

"This is my home. We were planning on living there for the rest of our lives and now they are taking it. My children's lives are affected too," said Garcia.

Residents say they have to vacate their homes by Nov. 1, 2025.