In The News

More than 50 residents took the opportunity to express their concerns to Metrolinx officials and politicians about the Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE) during a second community walk tracing the subway route through Thornhill on Saturday, July 9.

While they still have hopes the subway will not travel under their homes, parkland and local schools in the Royal Orchard neighbourhood under the transit agency’s revised route, which veers off Yonge Street as originally planned, they feel there should be clear and unequivocal commitments about noise, vibration, economic loss upon sale of their properties and potential damage to their homes.

“There was a lot of discussion and concerns regarding the numerous properties that have been designated as Transit Corridor Lands,” said Keep the Subway on Yonge steering committee co-chair Lisa Sherin, who organized the walk with co-chair and Thornhill councillor Keith Irish and resident Renata Richardson.

“For example, if people want to build, change or place a building, other structure or road on or under their property, a permit from Metrolinx may be required in addition to any other permits.”

Metrolinx noted, however, that it has had this process in place for other transit projects and has rarely, if ever, disallowed applications.

“Nonetheless, many residents felt that having the designation on title would lead to devaluation of their properties when and if they decide to sell it,” said Sherin.

In fact, appropriate compensation for affected homeowners and the Gazebo condominium continues to be a significant concern.