Over two dozen homes in Toronto's Riverdale neighbourhood will soon have to be vacated to make way for the construction of the forthcoming Ontario Line. 

On Wednesday, Metrolinx confirmed that it will be acquiring 25 homes on the east side of Pape Avenue between Langley and Riverdale Avenues, at least temporarily. 

Although the transportation agency did not provide news outlets with an exact date residents were expected to vacate, affected residents say they have been instructed to vacate their homes by Nov. 1, 2025. 

Construction follows after almost the entire block east of Pape on the north side of Danforth Avenue was demolished, which included the closure of several notable Toronto businesses, including Eton House, Akropolis Pastries, and a local Home Hardware among others.

Metrolinx says it reached the decision to vacate the homes after construction began and following input from its tunnelling contractor. 

"We have a more refined understanding of local soil conditions and subsequent impacts to properties that may result from tunnelling for the Ontario Line," the transportation agency said in a statement to CP24, noting that affected homes are "vulnerable to potential structural impacts." 

Metrolinx says it is acquiring the properties out of an "abundance of caution" and to ensure the safety of local residents. 

"We only acquire properties that are absolutely necessary, and we always aim to alert property owners and tenants as early as possible when it is determined that the property may be needed," the agency added. 

Metrolinx notes that it is "working directly with every single property owner and tenant, from the onset, to reach amicable agreements as we know the process can be challenging," and that owners will receive fair market value compensation for their homes. 

Relocation specialists are also expected to assist affected residents in finding housing. 

After the tunnel-boring machine has passed through the area, Metrolinx says affected residents might have the option of moving back into their properties, although this is entirely dependent on the results of the engineering assessments that will be conducted at each home. 

"We are looking at all potential options, including options to move back in after construction, and we will be discussing them individually with owners throughout the process," the agency concluded. 

Construction of the upcoming 15.6-kilometre Ontario Line began in December 2021 and is expected to be completed in 2031.