It’s a sad fact that construction of the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown, an upcoming underground transit line running from Black Creek Drive to Kennedy station, will require multiple properties to be torn down to make room. (The TTC likes to call this “property acquisition.”)
As public consultations begin, the specific properties that will be affected are coming to light. Among them is the venerable House of Chan, which will likely be appropriated to make way for an entrance to the Crosstown’s Bathurst Station.
Currently in the preliminary design stage, Bathurst Station could look something like the depictions in this slideshow when it’s built. Page 37 clearly shows that House of Chan, along with several other properties such as Halleluia Restaurant and Israel’s The Judaica Centre, stand in the prospective location of Bathurst Station’s secondary entrance.
Anna Pace, director of strategic partnerships at the transit expansion department of the TTC, confirmed that there will likely be three properties required for Bathurst Station, one of them being House of Chan. She added that there are few options to alter the preliminary design: “It is unlikely that the requirements for these properties would change.” The properties in question have been notified, she added.
Pace also said that there will be property required at each of the 26 stations slated for construction, so as public consultation continues for additional stations, be prepared to say goodbye to other neighbourhood fixtures. The good news is that the line will move people approximately 60 per cent faster than the current bus service.
We weren’t able to get a hold of anyone at House of Chan for comment, and the place appeared closed when we visited during normal operating hours last week. But our hopes are high that owners will find a new location. Known for its steaks, lobster and Cantonese cuisine, the place is legendary. After all, it’s a rare feat indeed for a restaurant to last over 50 years in Toronto.
Easing gridlock, it seems, doesn’t come cheap.