Urban renewal laws in Canada...what if the owner doesn't want to give up their land?

[Aznsilvrboy]

With so many condos popping up in Toronto, I can't help but wonder what happens when a real estate developer has convinced most of the residents of the designated urban renewal area to participate by selling their house/land to the real estate developer so they can demolished and a new tower can be built on top, but one family refuses to sell and evict their property and it is hindering the project. What are the legal rights of each side in this case? Can the developer request the city to order the property be expropriated (with compensation or something) or do the property owners have inalienable rights to their property and there's nothing the real estate developer can do?

I know with regards to the city, there are laws that allow the city to expropriate private property for municipal purposes in some cases, but I'm talking about a case between two private parties (real estate developers vs property owner). Are there any laws governing this type of situation and what is the procedure?

[longitude]

If in China they couldn't evict the owners of this home...........

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00018/20SM_CHINA3_18660f.jpg

http://affordablehousinginstitute.org/blogs/us/wp-content/uploads/china_property_rights.jpg

[diggler649]

With so many condos popping up in Toronto, I can't help but wonder what happens when a real estate developer has convinced most of the residents of the designated urban renewal area to participate by selling their house/land to the real estate developer so they can demolished and a new tower can be built on top, but one family refuses to sell and evict their property and it is hindering the project. What are the legal rights of each side in this case? Can the developer request the city to order the property be expropriated (with compensation or something) or do the property owners have inalienable rights to their property and there's nothing the real estate developer can do?

I know with regards to the city, there are laws that allow the city to expropriate private property for municipal purposes in some cases, but I'm talking about a case between two private parties (real estate developers vs property owner). Are there any laws governing this type of situation and what is the procedure?

This has happened. If you're familiar with the Yonge/Finch area, on Holmes (closer to Yonge), there were a couple of holdouts when all the condos and townhomes started going in. It's been awhile since I've been in the area, but I can't imagine their home being worth much now. Personally, if everyone else around me is selling, I would do the same. No need to be a hero. You will end up losing. Below is the home I'm talking about.

http://i40.tinypic.com/29njno1.jpg

[t3359]

thanks for the photos - pretty funny... my friend was talking about a Chinese documentary on the topic translated as "crazy stone" - I'll look for it.

bjl