No one is “threatening expropriation”.
That comment from Hydro One Project Manager Gary Schneider.
His words come on the heels of several reports that affected Bruce to Milton Transmission landowners are upset about offers they are getting from Hydro One.
Schneider says they released the land acquisition compensation principles that includes various financial incentives and choices – so they could avoid the expropriation process.
He says their offers are based on fair market value by appraisers.
Schneider also says land owners are welcome to challenge their “so called unfair offer” by hiring an appraiser of their choice, with compensation from Hydro One up to 75 hundred dollars.
However, he admits, at the end of the day, if voluntary offers are not accepted, they will be forced into expropriation, because the project has to move forward.
Schneider defends not speaking with some owners until recently, or at all yet, by saying they indicated in September they were starting to meet with the 350 landowners affected.
He says it’s not an overnight process, and expects all meetings to discuss offers will be set up by the end of the month.
Schneider adds he has seen reports where residents feel “bullied” into keeping their offers secret, but says never has Hydro One asked them to keep quiet.
He says they are free to discuss offers with legal counsel and other affected neighbours.
Of the 350 properties, only about thirty, have to give up their entire property, while others are simply having transmission lines being put on their property.
Recently, several municipalities have been asked to support residents who say they are not getting a fair shake from Hydro One.
