What is Metrolinx?
According to its website, ‘Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario under the Metrolinx Act, 2006, was created to improve the coordination and integration of all modes of transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.’ In the expropriations context, Metrolinx is an ‘expropriating authority’ as defined in the Expropriations Act. As an expropriating authority, it is empowered by the legislation to take land without an owner’s consent to facilitate construction of transportation infrastructure in the GTHA.
Projects currently being carried out by Metrolinx include the expansion of GO Train infrastructure, in particular the widening and improvement of the Barrie Go Line, as well as the construction of LRT lines across the GTHA, including the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the Finch West LRT, the Hurontario LRT and the Hamilton LRT. Metrolinx is also anticipated to be the key proponent of future public transit projects like the recently unveiled ‘Ontario Line’ as well the City of Toronto’s Downtown Relief Line.
Each of these projects necessitates the acquisition/expropriation of privately owned land interests, including underground and above-ground interests. Impacted owners are entitled to compensation for impacts relating to these compulsory takings. Compensation can include payment for the market value of the land interest, as well as negative impacts or “injurious affection” to the remainder lands (if any), and business losses.
For more information about the expropriation process and Metrolinx projects currently underway, we invite property owners to contact our firm to schedule an initial consultation at no cost.