The explosion in August of 2008 killed an employee and forced thousands from their homes.Charla Jones/The Globe and Mail
The site of the deadly Sunrise Propane explosion is up for sale – and neighbours are worried about who the next owner will be.
In August of 2008 the property, located at 62 Murray Rd., was rocked by an enormous explosion, which killed an employee and forced thousands from their homes.
A report by the Ontario Fire Marshal in 2010 concluded the blast was an accident, and occurred after propane leaked while being transferred between trucks.
Located just south of the Downsview Airport, the 2.8-acre plot is listed for $2.2-million. The online real estate listing describes the site as "vacant industrial land" with "good highway access" and "great yard space."
Residents of the north Toronto neighbourhood will meet Tuesday night to discuss the sale. The meeting, organized by the Ancaster Ratepayers Association, will take place at St. Norbert's Church at 7:30 p.m.
Tony Di Santo, president of the association, said he expects as many as 100 people at the meeting, which he called to keep the community up to date.
"We want to send a message to the people that are going to buy the site that they have to deal with the community," Mr. Di Santo said. "We certainly don't want anything to happen like what happened two and a half years ago."
Jeff Green, who lives two blocks from the site, witnessed the explosion. The force of the blast temporarily blurred his vision and forced his family from their home for a month, he said.
Mr. Green said he's concerned the property is being sold with the same industrial zoning that allowed propane tanks on the grounds.
"Who knows what a new owner will do?" Mr. Green said.
Mr. Green said he'd like to see the land rezoned as residential before being sold.
"We'll fight for what the community says," Mr. Di Santo said.