bill 60 ontario

Ontario's Bill 60: Understanding the New Housing and Rental Landscape

By CA News Staff

In a move that has sparked intense debate across the province, the Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, has passed Bill 60, known officially as the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025. This sweeping piece of legislation promises to accelerate housing construction and streamline development approvals. However, it has also triggered significant backlash from tenant advocates, municipal leaders, and opposition parties who warn that the bill could undermine tenant protections and centralize power at Queen's Park.

This comprehensive guide breaks down what Bill 60 means for Ontario, the timeline of its passage, and the potential ripple effects on the province’s housing market and rental landscape.

What is Bill 60? The Core Narrative

Bill 60 is an omnibus bill introduced by the Ford government with the stated goal of tackling the housing supply crisis. The government argues that red tape and slow municipal planning processes are bottlenecks preventing the construction of needed homes. By centralizing decision-making powers, the province aims to fast-track approvals for "universally accessible" housing.

However, the narrative is not solely about construction speed. The bill also includes significant amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act. Critics argue that while the government frames these changes as "modernizing" rental rules, they effectively strip away protections for Ontario renters, making it easier for landlords to evict tenants and potentially increasing the risk of "renovictions."

The bill has become a flashpoint in Ontario politics, symbolizing the tension between rapid economic development and social stability.

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Controversy

The passage of Bill 60 was not a quiet affair. It was characterized by protests, raucous debates in the legislature, and strong words from community leaders.

The Final Vote According to CityNews Toronto, the Ford government’s controversial Bill 60 passed its final reading in the Ontario legislature on November 24, 2025. Despite fierce opposition, the Progressive Conservative majority pushed the legislation through.

Public Pushback The legislative process was accompanied by visible public dissent. BayToday.ca reported on a protest march where demonstrators held signs reading "Doug Ford, slum lord." The rally emphasized the need for stronger renter protections rather than the relaxation of rules proposed in the bill.

Political Commentary The debate has drawn in provincial leaders. Global News reported that Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles visited Peterborough to discuss the implications of the bill, specifically linking it to rising rental prices and the pressures facing tenants in the province.

These verified reports confirm that the bill is now law, marking a significant shift in how housing and rentals will be regulated in Ontario.

Contextual Background: The Roots of the Housing Crisis

To understand why Bill 60 is so contentious, one must look at the broader context of Ontario's housing market.

A History of Supply Shortages Ontario has faced a housing supply deficit for decades. Successive governments have attempted to stimulate construction, but demand has consistently outpaced supply, driving up prices for both buyers and renters. The Ford government has made housing a cornerstone of their agenda, previously passing Bill 23 (the More Homes Built Faster Act) in 2022. Bill 60 is viewed by many as a continuation—or an escalation—of those previous reforms.

Centralization vs. Municipal Autonomy A key theme in the supplementary research is the centralization of power. Experts note that Bill 60 consolidates planning power around the Minister of Housing. This represents a philosophical shift in governance. Historically, municipalities in Ontario have held significant power over zoning and land use planning. By shifting this authority to the province, the government argues it can bypass NIMBYism ("Not In My Backyard") and local delays. Critics, however, argue this undermines the democratic process of local councils who best understand their community's needs.

The Renter’s Plight Parallel to the construction crisis is a "rental crisis." With high interest rates and inflation, Ontario renters face record-high costs. The amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act within Bill 60 have raised alarms because they come at a time when vacancy rates in major cities like Toronto are near zero. The fear is that reducing protections will exacerbate housing insecurity for vulnerable populations.

Immediate Effects: How Bill 60 Impacts Ontario Today

With the bill passed, the immediate effects are being felt across the housing sector.

1. Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act The most immediate and personal impact is on tenants. Reports indicate that the bill makes it easier for landlords to end tenancies. Specifically, the legislation allows for eviction if a landlord or their family member intends to move into the unit. Furthermore, there are concerns that the process for "renovictions"—evicting tenants to perform renovations—has been smoothed over, potentially allowing landlords to clear units for rent hikes more easily.

2. Centralized Planning Power For developers and municipalities, the landscape has shifted. The supplementary research highlights that the Minister of Housing now has increased authority to override local zoning bylaws. This is intended to speed up approvals for developments that align with provincial priorities. Municipalities may find their influence waning as the province takes a more direct role in deciding what gets built and where.

3. Social and Economic Friction The bill has galvanized housing advocates. Rallies at Queen's Park, as noted in reports, highlight a growing social divide. The immediate economic implication is a potential chilling effect on the rental market; tenants may fear moving or asserting their rights, while developers may rush to utilize the new streamlined processes before potential political changes occur.

Future Outlook: Risks, Rewards, and What Comes Next

As Ontario settles into the reality of Bill 60, several potential outcomes and risks loom on the horizon.

The Supply Question The central promise of Bill 60 is more homes, faster. The future will reveal whether centralizing power actually results in a boom in housing starts. If the government's theory is correct—streamlining approvals equals more supply—we could see a gradual stabilization of housing prices over the next 5 to 10 years. However, if the bill fails to incentivize construction due to high material costs or labor shortages, the regulatory changes may have been politically costly without delivering the promised housing.

The Human Cost The most significant risk involves tenant displacement. Housing policy experts, such as those cited in the supplementary research from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, warn that weakening tenant protections could lead to a spike in homelessness. If landlords feel emboldened to evict for renovations or personal use, the "renoviction" wave could push low-income renters out of established neighborhoods and into a competitive, expensive rental market.

Political Fallout Bill 60 is likely to remain a central issue in Ontario politics. With opposition leaders like Marit Stiles actively campaigning against the bill, we can expect housing policy to be a major battleground in future elections. If the promised housing supply doesn't materialize quickly, the government may face a backlash from both voters who wanted more protections and developers who may still face other barriers to building.

Conclusion

Bill 60 represents a bold, controversial attempt to reshape Ontario’s housing market. By prioritizing speed and provincial oversight, the Ford government is betting that a deregulated environment is the key to solving the housing crisis. However, the verified news reports of protests and strong opposition suggest that the human cost of these changes is a major concern for the people of Ontario.

As the legislation takes effect, all eyes will be on the construction sites and the eviction notices. The legacy of Bill 60 will be determined by whether it delivers a housing boom or deepens the affordability crisis for Ontario’s most vulnerable residents.