I agree the coms have been bad - but I also think they're wilfully misunderstanding.
They make it sound like Metrolinx made a hard decision and then popped out of the woodwork. Truthfully, it was presented as an OPTION, with explanations as to why. To date, no FINAL decision has been presented. And even then, there is still a TPAP, which involves consultation.
So I'm of 2 minds:
1) Metrolinx has done a bad job explaining the process and a worse job explaining how/why these people have nothing to worry about with vibrations etc. They've made some half-hearted efforts but at the public meetings, really offered nothing concrete to say, "Hey, folks -we get your concern but the tunnels will be 20m underground and here's a half dozen examples of how it's been done and it shows you've got nothing to worry about. We're committed to providing you with all the data and engaging with you throughout in order to alleviate any concerns."
2) These people got their backs up immediately and didn't want to hear any explanations anyway and didn't want to engage in consultations and really have no interest in this multi-billion dollar project beyond how it impacts a couple of dozen homes. If, for example, Metrolinx explained they could move it back to Yonge but it would cost taxpayers another $2B, I'm sure they'd see it as a victory. And then we got all the politicians posturing because they have nothing to lose by telling these people they have their backs, even while knowing they can't do much.
So they don't oppose "transit," because they want to the subway on Yonge and they probably want that Royal Orchard station, but it's a selfish desire with no willingness to sacrifice and goes a bit beyond just the process.
So, plenty of blame to go around, IMHO. There's still time for both sides to do better, if either has an interest in doing so.