City decision to relocate heritage home 'a slap in the face': homeowner
City staff presented councillors three alternatives to the wrecking ball last year.
The city's final decision to relocate a 120-year-old heritage home is being described as a "slap in the face" by a defeated homeowner who's now considering taking her concerns to the province.
"I hoped that there would be enough councillors that would challenge the city staff on their plan but that didn't happen," said 75-year-old Nan Finlayson, whose 100 Stanley Street heritage home has to relocate to make way for a road widening project.
City councillors approved an environmental assessment report Tuesday on a multi-million reconstruction of Wharncliffe Road to decrease congestion.
The report suggests creating north and south turning lanes near the CN rail bridge at Wharcnliffe and Horton in order to improve the intersection. The bridge will be replaced. But Finlayson's home is currently in the way.
Alternatives
There wasn't much discussion among councillors on Tuesday, but the topic has hit the horseshoe in years past, prompting city staff to explore many options to save Finlayson's house from the wrecking ball.
Staff ultimately recommended a compromise of relocating the home across the street to the west side of Wharncliffe Road, south of Evergreen Avenue, that would cost taxpayers about $600,000.
Last year, city staff explored many alternatives including demolition and expropriating properties on the other side of the road.
Even with that, Finlayson said the move would have a "physical, mental and emotional effect on her," and would cause her to consider leaving the city — and even the country.
"I can't stay in London and feel that discomfort and sadness," she said.
The report now moves to a 30-day public review period.