Advocates gathered at Queen’s Park for a housing day rally, voicing concerns over the impact of the Ford government’s proposed Bill 60 on homelessness in Ontario.
Bill 60 seeks to streamline housing supply decisions, but critics fear it could hinder renters’ rights by restricting new evidence in Landlord and Tenant Board hearings and reducing appeal times. Additionally, the bill would abolish the requirement for landlords to provide a month’s rent as compensation when evicting tenants for personal use.
Lindsay Blackwell, from No Demovictions Ontario, emphasized the vulnerability of renters and the profit-driven motives of corporate landlords. The changes proposed could threaten the stability of rent-controlled buildings, making it challenging for families to establish roots in their communities.
In response, the province argues that Bill 60 aims to incentivize property owners to rent out more units, ultimately increasing housing availability and deterring misconduct.
Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow condemned the bill’s proposed changes as detrimental to tenant protections, warning of potential spikes in homelessness. The opposition NDP strongly opposes the bill, accusing it of eroding rent control and fueling mass evictions.
The fate of Bill 60 rests on the upcoming vote by MPPs, scheduled for Monday.