Residents of Toronto’s Riverdale neighborhood are facing unexpected upheaval as Metrolinx, the regional transportation agency, has announced plans to expropriate 25 properties on Pape Avenue for the construction of the Ontario Line subway.
This decision comes as a shock to many homeowners and tenants who were previously assured their properties would not be affected by the project.
The affected area stretches between Langley and Riverdale Avenue, including residential homes and a newly established daycare. Residents report receiving sudden notices informing them they must vacate their properties by November 1, 2025, leaving many feeling blindsided and distressed.
Metrolinx cites a refined understanding of local soil conditions and potential structural impacts from tunneling as the reason for this decision. The agency states it is acquiring these properties “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure neighborhood safety.
Adding to residents’ concerns is the possibility that Metrolinx may resell the properties after construction. At a recent information meeting, residents said they were told by Metrolinx staff that if they wish to repurchase their homes, the price would be higher due to real estate appreciation. This prospect has further intensified anxiety among affected homeowners, who worry about being priced out of their own community.
Metrolinx has promised fair market value compensation for property owners and assistance for tenants in finding comparable housing. The agency also suggests that residents may have the option to return to their homes after construction, depending on engineering assessments and necessary repairs.
The Ontario Line, a 15.6-kilometer subway project, began construction in December 2021 and is slated for completion in 2031. While it promises improved public transit, the human cost of its development is becoming increasingly apparent to affected Riverdale residents.
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