We live in Calgary, Alberta. About 15 years ago the city did a broad plan outlining future transportation projects. They called this the 'Go Plan'.
An 'LRT' (Light Transit System) is planned to go up our street and thus requiring the expropriation of our property (house). This 'Plan' is still on the books but there is still no concrete time frame or actual steps to implement it. At first we thought the LRT was 5 years away, now it's already been 15 years and still nothing concrete planned. The 'Plan' however, is still in effect and is part of the City's future plans.
This 'Plan' has hung like the Sword of Damocles over our heads since it was announced. Do we renovate our home? Do we plant new trees? We are left in an unfair state of being unsure of our future. Of course, the prospect of selling the home is diminished because of nebulous future plans of expropriation.
Should the city be made to decide one way or another and, if they still 'may' expropriate, be required to purchase our home from us NOW so we can get on with our lives?
Even though no official notice of expropriation has been given, it was done if effect 15 years ago and we are still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
There are a ton of properties in the same situation as you. Governments drawing lines on maps and never acting on them. They are plans which may or may not come to fruition.
I would treat the property as you always have, improve it, enjoy it, plant some trees. Expropriations are based on market values plus plus, so you will more than likely get your value back.
I would suggest that you write to the department that is involved in these plans and ask for a date, in writing, that this project is expected to commence.It is extremely hard to be motivated to improve on a property that could be under concrete in a matter of years. Have others in your neighbourhood sold their property and has this plan lessened their ability to get a fair price for their property?
