Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is pushing back against Ontario’s proposed Bill 60, warning that the legislation could strip away key protections for renters and make evictions easier across the province.
Chow announced her opposition after reviewing the latest version of the bill introduced by Premier Doug Ford’s government. While the province says the goal is to unlock housing and improve the rental system, Chow argues the changes would have the opposite effect for nearly half of Toronto’s residents who rent.
What Bill 60 Would Change
According to Chow, the legislation includes several measures that would reduce protections for renters, including:
- Cutting tenant compensation in certain eviction situations
- Shortening appeal periods for eviction cases
- Expanding landlords’ eviction powers
- Limiting a tenant’s ability to present new evidence at hearings
- Cutting the appeal timeline from 30 days to 15 days
Advocates warn that these changes would significantly reduce the time tenants have to prepare a defense and could increase the number of forced moves across Toronto and Ontario.
Province Removed One Proposal, But Concerns Remain
The Ontario government did remove an earlier proposal that would have reviewed tenants’ security of tenure. However, Chow says the remaining parts of Bill 60 still threaten housing stability in a city where almost 50 percent of residents rely on rental housing.
The province maintains that Bill 60 aims to unlock housing supply. Chow says the bill does nothing to increase supply and instead shifts the system further in favor of landlords by weakening the tenant protections that currently act as a safeguard for renters.
Chow Calls for Collaboration on Affordable Housing Instead
Chow is urging the province to focus on building more affordable housing, not reducing tenant rights. She says real progress requires all levels of government to work together on solutions that increase supply, stabilize rents, and ensure renters are protected in a market with record-low vacancy rates.
Chow’s position aligns with concerns raised by housing advocates who argue that evictions have already been rising and that shortening appeal timelines could push more families into unstable housing situations.
Why This Matters for Toronto Renters
Toronto continues to face one of the tightest rental markets in Canada. With record-high rents, low vacancy rates, and increasing demand, experts say tenant protections are essential for stability. Reducing appeal periods and limiting evidence submissions could make the process more difficult for those already facing financial pressure.
As Bill 60 moves forward, Chow says she plans to formally oppose the legislation and continue advocating for policies that prioritize affordability, stability, and fair treatment for renters.
source: City News
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