Demonstrators rally against proposed Yonge subway extension route into Thornhill neighbourhood

Royal Orchard residents aim to steer trains back to Yonge Street track

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 17, 2021
John Cudmore

Carolyn MacDonald was hoping to raise a voice of awareness and opposition to the proposed Yonge North Subway Extension through her Thornhill subdivision.

She hopes the voice of the people can be heard above the clickety-clack of subway trains.

MacDonald assembled a small group of people and dogs for an Aug. 15 noon-hour protest against a Metrolinx proposal to run the line through the Royal Orchard neighbourhood, located just to the east of Yonge Street.

The proposal may be viewed as a third option put forward by Metrolinx for the long-discussed subway extension to Richmond Hill. However, rather than a straight shot up Yonge Street, it is feared the Royal Orchard route is now a candidate for front-runner in many eyes.

"We’ve always wanted a subway and they’ve spent years studying a Yonge Street corridor," said MacDonald, a resident of nearby Romfield Circuit for 30 years. "Then in May, they dumped this new route right through Royal Orchard. The lack of public consultation was the salt in the wound."

MacDonald, who owns a pet service, says details have been sketchy but says that markings are on the ground and poised for environmental assessment and testing.

"I came home from vacation and saw the X’s on the ground,” she said. “I thought I had to do something. I thought I could round up some dogs for this."

Her own dog, Hunter, brought along pals such including Albert, Bear, Ringo, Tucker and Lav for support.

It was a small group of four-pawed, tail-wagging protesters along with 11 humans as they drew attention from passing motorists, engaged pedestrians at the Yonge Street and Royal Orchard intersection and handed out goody bags filled with dog snacks.

MacDonald is worried the provincial government and Metrolinx will proceed with plans to expropriate the land on which people have lived for decades.

"It feels so unnecessary," MacDonald said. "The thought of tunnelling under homes, the noise, the vibrations and pollution -- to veer off to the east (of Yonge Street) is unfathomable.

"We’re trying to get people out and educated and involved,: she said. “It’s sad and terrifying. A lot of families have been there since Thornhill was mostly fields.

"These are people who thought this is their forever homes."

More information can be found at the Royal Orchard Ratepayers Association website -- subwayatro.com.