The Hamilton LRT is on track - Understanding your expropriation rights

Will your property be impacted by the Hamilton LRT project? Know your rights.

To build the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, the expropriating authority – in this case, Metrolinx – may need to acquire land or easement rights from you and your neighbours. If you are affected by this project, as a property owner, a tenant, a business owner or otherwise (an "Affected Party"), you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

The Ontario Expropriations Act provides for full compensation that includes payment by the expropriating authority of the Affected Party's reasonable legal, professional, appraisal and expert fees.

The expropriation process can be complex, with strict timelines and procedures to follow. As an Affected Party, it is crucial to seek prompt and skilled advice to protect your rights and avoid any potential pitfalls. This is where we come in.

 

Meet our expropriation team

Gowling WLG's Expropriation Law Group is here to guide property owners and tenants through every stage of the expropriation process, from informal negotiations to litigation. With over 35 years of experience in complex proceedings and claims, our team helps you understand your rights and maximize available options.

We leverage our extensive knowledge of municipal, land use planning, land development, and environmental issues, as well as our strong relationships with accounting and valuation firms, to deliver superior results.

 

An overview of the expropriation process and compensation

The expropriation process

  • Informal negotiations
  • Application for approval to expropriate
  • Approval of expropriation
  • Registration of a plan of expropriation
  • Notice of expropriation and election
  • Possession
  • Statutory offer of compensation
  • Negotiation & Arbitration proceedings before the Ontario Land Tribunal

Expropriation compensation

  • Market value
  • Injurious affection
  • Disturbance damages/relocation costs
  • Business Loss
  • Interest
  • Costs
  • Taxation implications of expropriation
     

Get in touch with our team to learn about your rights