GO train expansion: Expropriation letters sent to two dozen homeowners in Oshawa, Ontario

Metrolinx is sending out notices of appropriation letters to two dozen property owners in Oshawa’s east end in preparation for two new GO stations as the transit agency extends train service into Bowmanville.

In most cases Metrolinx is not looking to kick the residents out of their homes but acquire a small portion of land abutting the railway tracks as the extension requires a widening of the tracks for the GO trains.

The method of communication, however, has left Oshawa Councillor Brian Nicholson, as well as residents who responded to his post on Facebook, a little concerned.

“Once again Metrolinx would rather roll over residents than negotiate a fair compromise,” Nicholson said after receiving a “confidential” letter from the provincial agency. “I wish 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 the answer is OR ELSE.”

Expropriation letters are being sent out Thursday, with 17 of the affected properties in a small neighbourhood off Dean Avenue, located between Ritson Road and Wilson Avenue.

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to notify you that Metrolinx will soon be issuing Notices of Application for Approval to Expropriate Land (NOAs) for properties related to the Bowmanville Extension project.

This work supports the broader goals of the Lakeshore East GO rail corridor extension from Oshawa to Bowmanville which will bring nearly 20 kilometres of two-way all-day rail service to communities in eastern Durham Region; providing reduced travel times and improved connections to rapid transit.

To deliver this important infrastructure, Metrolinx has identified certain property interests required for project construction. While we have been working with affected property owners to negotiate amicable agreements, it is necessary to initiate the expropriation process in parallel to meet project timelines and safeguard 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 Riad, north of Highway 401

We want to emphasize that the launch of the expropriation process does not preclude continued negotiation – our aim is always to reach a fair and mutually agreeable resolution with property owners. Owners are encouraged to seek legal or appraisal support, and reasonable costs for these services will be reimbursed under the Expropriations Act.

We kindly ask that this information be treated as confidential until formal public notice is provided. We would be happy to offer a briefing should you be interested in discussing this further or have any questions. Thank you for your continued support as we advance the Bowmanville Extension for the benefit of 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 is my responsibility to make their actions known to the public. Their assumption of my support in their letter is totally off base.”

Metrolinx drew plenty of unfriendly fire (and even death threats) for their decision to close a portion of busy Simcoe Street in January for two years to build a new bridge just west of the new Central Oshawa GO station. While the vitriol was not severe, the expropriation letters did not receive 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 to keep it private they should have notified the people involved first and then publish it. But it seems they do things backwards. There is no reason for this organization to be secretive as they are going to build this extension anyway.” – Randy
• “All these expropriations, Alto and Metrolinx, seem to be somewhat similar to Pickering airport fights years ago. How did that work out … No airport, but those homeowners are gone. Expansion is needed. But so is fair communication and coordination.” – Kaitlyn