Toronto Council Challenges Bill 60, Citing Eviction Risks and Weakened Tenant Rights
Toronto City Council has officially expressed its opposition to the proposed Bill 60 by the Doug Ford government, which is aimed at amending the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Councillors voiced concerns that the bill, if passed, could further weaken tenant rights and escalate homelessness in the city.
Background on Bill 60
Introduced late last month, Bill 60 is part of the Ford government’s “Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act.” This legislation aims to make conditions more favorable for builders as a response to the housing crisis in Ontario.
Mayor’s Position
Mayor Olivia Chow spearheaded the motion against the bill, emphasizing the impact it could have on the approximately half of Toronto residents who rent. “We should ask other municipalities to join us to lessen the impact this bill would have on Toronto’s renters,” she stated.
Concerns Raised by City Officials
The proposed changes have raised alarms among housing advocates and the city’s housing officials. They assert that the bill could lead to increased evictions and adversely affect tenant security.
- Shorter appeal timeframes for tenants at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
- Accelerated eviction proceedings for landlords.
- Elimination of compensation requirements for tenants evicted to accommodate landlords or their family members.
Doug Rollins, the executive director of the city’s housing secretariat, noted that the bill contains 13 initiatives that threaten tenant stability and services designed to prevent eviction. He stated that the changes “limit renters’ rights to effectively protect their tenancies.”
Reactions from City Councillors
During the council meeting, members expressed their discontent with the provincial government’s approach during an ongoing housing crisis. Councillor Alejandra Bravo emphasized the necessity for community support to prevent homelessness, while Councillor Josh Matlow criticized the government for prioritizing the interests of developers over tenant welfare.
Voting Outcome
The council voted overwhelmingly against the proposed changes, with a count of 23 to 1. Only Councillor Stephen Holyday maintained that the government’s changes could incentivize the much-needed construction of rental housing.
Future Actions
The motion directed city officials to reaffirm their request for rent control on properties built after 2018. Furthermore, council requested a review of legal options to protect renters, including potential challenges to provisions of Bill 60.
As discussions continue, the council’s determination underscores the ongoing struggle for tenant rights amid a pressing housing crisis in Toronto and beyond.
