Ontario Moves Forward with Housing Reform
The Ontario legislature gave final approval to Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, paving the way for significant amendments to the province’s Residential Tenancies Act. The controversial legislation, championed by Premier Doug Ford’s government, aims to accelerate housing supply and alter the balance of rights and responsibilities for renters and landlords.
What Bill 60 Changes
Bill 60 introduces a framework intended to streamline housing development timelines and reduce regulatory delays. Proponents argue that these changes will increase the pace of new rental units entering the market, addressing shortages that have driven up rents in major cities. Critics, however, warn that the reforms could weaken tenant protections and leave renters more exposed to aggressive leasing terms and abrupt evictions.
Key Provisions Under the New Act
- Expedited timelines for approvals related to rental development.
- Streamlined processes intended to shorten construction and lease-up phases.
- Adjusted standards for notice periods and eviction procedures—contentious points among tenant groups.
- Mechanisms for monitoring compliance and addressing disputes between landlords and tenants.
Reaction Across Stakeholders
Supporters of Bill 60 say the reforms are essential to tackling Ontario’s housing affordability crisis by boosting supply. They contend that a faster development process reduces bureaucratic drag and ultimately benefits renters who face high demand and rising rents.
Opponents argue that the bill could erode foundational protections for tenants, making it harder for renters to secure stable, long-term housing. They point to potential increases in rent transitions and disputes that may arise from shortened timelines and less predictable processes. Activists, tenant coalitions, and some opposition members have called for amendments to preserve leasing protections and ensure clear enforcement mechanisms.
What This Means for Renters and Landlords
For tenants, the passage of Bill 60 signals a potential shift in how secure a rental agreement can feel in the near term. While some measures promise faster development of new units, renters may worry about tighter processes for renewals and evictions. Landlords could benefit from clearer timelines and a more predictable path to project completion, but they also bear greater scrutiny under enforcement and compliance provisions.
Next Steps and Public Scrutiny
With the bill now law, provincial regulators will begin implementing the new provisions. This includes developing guidelines, training for local authorities, and establishing timelines for rollout. Tenant advocacy groups plan to monitor enforcement closely and push for amendments that safeguard housing stability and fair leasing practices.
Conclusion
The passage of the controversial tenancy reform marks a pivotal moment in Ontario’s housing policy. As the province seeks to balance the urgent need for more rental units with the imperative to protect tenants, observers will watch closely how the reforms unfold in practice and whether ongoing tweaks will be required to achieve both affordability and stability in the rental market.
