Bill 60 passes at Queen’s Park, ending months of debate
Ontario lawmakers gave final approval to Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, sealing a major reform to the province’s Residential Tenancies Act. Premier Doug Ford’s government framed the measure as a way to speed up housing construction and curb bureaucratic delays, but critics say it could tilt protections toward landlords and reduce security for renters. The bill’s passage marks a pivotal moment in Ontario’s housing policy and signals how the province will balance development with tenant protections in the coming years.
What Bill 60 changes in practical terms
At its core, Bill 60 introduces streamlined approval processes, revised timelines for repairs, and new mechanisms intended to shorten vacancy periods and time-to-lease for rental properties. Advocates argue these reforms will unlock more supply and lower housing costs by reducing administrative bottlenecks that slow down building and renovations. Opponents counter that faster timelines may compromise enforcement of existing tenant rights, limit recourse for residents facing evictions or improper conduct by landlords, and shift leverage toward property owners in a market that already has affordability pressures.
Key provisions supporters point to
- Faster permit reviews and construction timelines to accelerate new rental stock
- Clearer standards for renovictions and unit readiness for new tenancies
- Updated penalties and compliance expectations to deter malpractices
Concerns raised by renters and advocates
- Potential narrowing of tenant protections amid expedited processes
- Risks that vulnerable renters may face higher displacement rates
- Ambiguity in how enforcement agencies will police violations under accelerated timelines
Economic and social implications for renters
Analysts say the bill’s impact will hinge on implementation details, funding for enforcement, and the specificity of new timelines. If properly resourced and transparent, the reforms could reduce delays that frustrate both developers and landlords, potentially translating into steadier rental supply. However, in regions already contending with housing affordability challenges, a perception that tenant protections are being eroded could affect trust in the housing market and deter some renters from pursuing necessary repairs or reporting issues.
What renters should know now
Renters in Ontario should monitor communications from their local housing authorities and landlords for guidance on any changes in lease processes, repair timelines, or eviction procedures. Tenants who experience aggressive timelines or notice provisions they believe are improper should document incidents and seek counsel from tenant advocacy groups or legal aid clinics. While the bill aims to balance interests, the oversight and practical enforcement will be critical to ensuring that renters don’t shoulder unintended consequences of faster processes.
What’s next for policy and housing in Ontario
With Bill 60 now law, attention will shift to how municipalities implement the new rules and how provincial agencies allocate resources for compliance and education. The government may face questions in the coming months about whether additional regulatory tweaks are needed to protect vulnerable tenants while still delivering on a broader housing supply strategy. Stakeholders across the spectrum—developers, landlords, tenant associations, and municipal authorities—will likely push for clarity and predictable guidelines to navigate the post-enactment landscape.
Bottom line
Bill 60’s passage represents a bold bet on building faster and reducing delays in Ontario’s rental market. The outcome will depend on effective enforcement, transparent administration, and ongoing dialogue with renters to ensure that the reforms unlock more housing without eroding essential tenant protections.
