Tory says Scarborough home expropriation required to grow transit

Just days after Scarborough residents received letters about how a proposed subway stop could result in the expropriation of their homes, Mayor John Tory said it is unfortunate but necessary for the greater good of the city.

Residents were asked to attend an open meeting for the unveiling of the plans and discuss any concerns they have on Tuesday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Scarborough Civic Centre. City staff, Toronto Real Estate and the TTC will be in attendance.

“We’re having a very open dialogue about the subway, about its routing, about the potential consequences of that which always includes as with many public projects some expropriation and the consultations with continue tonight,” Tory said.

But many residents have already expressed not only their frustration but their unwillingness to move or sell out.

The proposed Scarborough subway extension will run from Kennedy Station, along Eglinton Avenue East, north on Danforth Road and McCowan Road to Ellesmere Road. And at this point two businesses and approximately eight homes will be affected by the line.

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The homes may be required to be purchased by the city for the construction of the projects, according to TTC spokesperson Brad Ross.

Scott Cole, who has lived in his Scarborough bungalow for 26 years with his wife, said he will fight to stay in his home.

“Even if I lose in court they’re going to have to take me out of here,” said Cole. “I’m never leaving my home.”

Cole said no amount of money would make him leave.

“I’ll bet you there’s not a major public project over the last 25 years … that there hasn’t been some piece of land that had to be expropriated,” Tory said. “And it’s an unfortunate reality because people have lived in those houses for many years.”

Another neighbour also said his reaction wasn’t pleasant when he received the letter at his home of 15 years, which also functions as his home business.

“I’m going to fight it,” said Vivek Bhatt. “They can’t just come here and uproot kids from school.”

He added he will attend the meeting on Tuesday to take up the matter.

“We want to know if it’s justified spending hundreds millions on this line that ends at Scarborough Town Centre,” Bhatt said.

Tory added that a system is put in place to create fairness in these projects in terms of the price that is paid for expropriated homes, but “it still doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a very significant dislocation.” But he adds that the laws are in place so the city can get the transit it desperately needs.

If approved, construction could start in two to three years according to Scarborough Councillor Glenn Debaeremaeker.