Newfoundland and Labrador’s department of Transportation and Infrastructure has promised policy changes following a Conception Bay South family’s public account of the expropriation and subsequent resale of their former property.
Hannah Stapleton recounted to CBC News how her mother, Cyndie, recognized a new house under construction on Scotts Road South during a recent video call. This was the location of the family home until it was expropriated and demolished by the government in 2012.
The Stapletons purchased the home in 2004, after receiving assurances from the provincial government, through their lawyer, that the ongoing development of Peacekeepers Way would not impact their property. Cyndie Stapleton described the home as “very humble” and “perfect for us.” The family invested approximately $40,000 in renovations.
On August 13, 2012, Cyndie Stapleton and her daughter Hannah received a letter from a provincial government representative informing them the property was needed for the construction of Peacekeepers Way. Cyndie Stapleton said she initially reacted with disbelief, and then “threw up” upon realizing the situation.
The family was compensated for their home and moving expenses, and later watched as the house was demolished. They chose not to speak out at the time, but revisited the issue after discovering the land had been resold and a new home was being built.
“To see what was yours and what was taken now belonging to somebody else, it’s a violation. It really is,” Cyndie Stapleton said.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure initially stated it acquired the land through a “negotiated purchase agreement,” but the Stapletons dispute this, citing the original expropriation letter. In 2017, the department determined that 1,104 square metres of the land was not needed for highway construction.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Barry Petten has stated he has spoken with Cyndie Stapleton and has directed officials to develop a new land disposition policy that will include notification of original owners. He acknowledged the situation was “a really sad situation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Stapleton family’s home?
The Stapleton family’s home on Scotts Road South in Conception Bay South was expropriated by the provincial government in 2012 for the construction of Peacekeepers Way and subsequently demolished.
What is the government’s response to the family’s concerns?
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has promised policy changes and is developing a new land disposition policy that will include notification of original owners. Minister Barry Petten has also spoken with Cyndie Stapleton.
Was the land properly acquired according to the Stapletons?
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure stated the land was acquired through a negotiated purchase agreement, but the Stapletons are disputing this claim, pointing to a letter referencing the Family Homes Expropriation Act.
What role should government transparency play in land use and property rights decisions?
