Metrolinx is sending out notices of appropriation letters to two dozen property owners in Oshawa’s east end as they prepare for two new GO stations and extend train service into Bowmanville.
In most cases, Metrolinx isn’t looking to displace residents but to acquire a small section of land next to the railway tracks because the extension needs a widening of the tracks for the GO trains.
This way of communicating has raised concerns for Oshawa Councillor Brian Nicholson and some residents who commented on his Facebook post.
“Once again, Metrolinx would rather roll over residents than negotiate a fair compromise,” Nicholson said after he received a “confidential” letter from the provincial agency. “I want to make it clear that I do not support the aggressive approach Metrolinx is taking with area residents. They seem to think that either residents agree with them or it’s OR ELSE.”
Expropriation letters are being sent out Thursday, affecting 17 properties in a small neighborhood off Dean Avenue, located between Ritson Road and Wilson Avenue.
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to inform you that Metrolinx will soon be issuing Notices of Application for Approval to Expropriate Land (NOAs) related to the Bowmanville Extension project.
This work supports broader goals of extending the Lakeshore East GO rail corridor from Oshawa to Bowmanville, which will provide nearly 20 kilometers of two-way all-day rail service to communities in eastern Durham Region; offering reduced travel times and better connections to rapid transit.
To achieve this important infrastructure, Metrolinx has identified certain property interests needed for construction. While we have been negotiating amicable agreements with affected property owners, starting the expropriation process is necessary alongside these talks to meet project timelines and ensure delivery.
The impacted properties include:
410, 412, 416, 418, 430, 436, 438, 442, 448, 450, 454, and 456 Sedan Court; 443, 446, 448 and 452 Brest Court; 424 Austen Court, 400 Pacific Avenue and 1000 Bloor Street; 680 Laval Drive (behind the Walmart Superstore) and property between Bloor Street and Townline Road north of Highway 401
We want to emphasize that launching the expropriation process doesn’t stop ongoing negotiations – our goal is always reaching a fair resolution with property owners. Owners are encouraged to seek legal or appraisal assistance; reasonable costs for these services will be reimbursed under the Expropriations Act.
Please treat this information as confidential until formal public notice is provided. We’re happy to offer a briefing if you’re interested in discussing this further or have any questions. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward with the Bowmanville Extension for communities across Durham Region.
“They have asked me to keep their plans secret but they seem to forget that I work for the residents and not for them,” Nicholson said. “I feel it’s my responsibility to make their actions known publicly. Their assumption of my support in their letter is totally off base.”
Metrolinx faced plenty of backlash (and even death threats) over their decision last January to close part of busy Simcoe Street for two years while building a new bridge just west of the new Central Oshawa GO station. While reactions weren’t severe at that time, these expropriation letters didn’t earn any public praise either.
“This absolutely at this point needs a public inquiry. It’s not ethical to start expropriating property whilst claiming you are negotiating fairly.” – Margaret “I own property on Bristol Crescent that is subject to expropriation. Advise all to get an expropriation lawyer as Metrolinx lowballs compensation.” – Duane “If they wanted it kept private they should’ve notified those involved first before publishing it. But it seems they do things backwards. There’s no reason for this organization be secretive since they’re going ahead with building this extension anyway.” – Randy “All these expropriations by Alto and Metrolinx seem somewhat similar to past conflicts over Pickering airport land years ago. How did that turn out … No airport was built but those homeowners lost their homes anyway? Expansion is needed but so is clear communication and coordination.” – Kaitlyn
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