Expropriation looms for Brock Street property

Roger Varley

Another step has been taken towards the redevelopment of downtown Uxbridge with council contemplating the possibility of expropriating the property on the northeast corner of Brock and Toronto Streets.

On Monday, following an in-camera session, council approved a motion by regional councillor Bruce Garrod to “Instruct the solicitor to report back to council with respect to what next steps are required to expropriate 43, 45, 47 Brock Street West.”

Development services director Kyle Rainbow said Tuesday that it is too early to say what will happen to the property. He said going through expropriation "is a robust process." But noting the artists' renditions of what might be constructed in the area in the future, Rainbow said "you can recognize the look and feel we're going for."

Rainbow said the owners of the property have been seeking buyers for the building, which houses a real estate office, nail salon, an empty store and two small businesses in the rear, as well as apartments above. He said the township has had a number of meetings with the owners and has some idea of the value of the property. According to the Ontario Expropriations Act, the owner of property expropriated by any level of government or government agency has a right to fair compensation.

Since there are only two council meetings remaining before council takes its summer break, it is unlikely the solicitor's report will be heard before September.

Meanwhile, the Circle K convenience store just to the east, whose building was purchased by the township for $3 million last year, will be closing its doors next Tuesday. When asked what will happen to the building once it is vacated, Rainbow said no application has been made yet for a demolition permit.