Housing Crisis and Tenant Rights in Toronto: A City Council Stand Against Bill 60

The Housing Crisis in Toronto: A City Council Stand Against Bill 60

In 2026, the debate over housing and tenant rights in Toronto reached a critical juncture, as City Council took a firm stand against Bill 60, a provincial government proposal aimed at changing the Residential Tenancies Act. According to data from the City of Toronto, this legislation could significantly weaken tenant protections and potentially spur an increase in evictions. The decision to oppose Bill 60 was driven by the stark reality of the housing crisis in the city, where approximately half of the population is housed in rental units.

On November 12 and 13, 2025, City Council adopted a series of motions to formally oppose the proposed changes. "[City Council] has recognized the potential harm to tenants and the broader housing landscape," stated Mayor Olivia Chow, who introduced the motion. "We must protect the rights of our residents and ensure that the housing crisis does not disproportionately affect those who need it most."

City Council's Opposition and Requests

City Council's stance against Bill 60 was multifaceted. The council expressed opposition to changes that could weaken tenant rights, including a reduction in security of tenure and the possible end of rent control for homes first occupied after 2018. Data from the City of Toronto shows that the program and other City-led and City-supported projects accounted for 65 percent of all housing starts in Toronto for the current year, indicating the city's active role in addressing the shortage.

Key points from City Council's motion included:

  1. Informing the Government of Ontario: Council formally communicated its opposition to the proposed changes, emphasizing the potential increase in evictions and the weakening of tenant rights.
  2. Reinstatement of Rent Control: The council urged the government to reinstate rent control on rental homes first occupied after 2018.
  3. Legal Action: Council requested the City Solicitor to review legal options to protect renters and challenge provisions of Bill 60, including potential Charter protections.
  4. Impact Analysis: The council directed the Executive Director of the Housing Secretariat to present to the Housing Rights Advisory Committee on the potential impact of the changes in Bill 60.
  5. Proportional Analysis of Homelessness: Council requested a report on the proportion of homelessness in Toronto attributed to federal and provincial government decisions.

What to Watch Next

The opposition to Bill 60 is a significant development in the ongoing debate about housing policy in Toronto. The next phase will involve detailed legal and policy analysis, as well as potential legal challenges. According to the City of Toronto, the final report from the Executive Director of the Housing Secretariat will provide crucial insights into the broader impacts of the proposed legislation.

Residents and renters in Toronto are encouraged to continue engaging in the process by participating in City Council and Committee meetings. The City's Open Data portal offers a range of datasets, including the Report Request Log and Voting and Attendance Records, which can be accessed to stay informed about council activities and decisions.

Engaging in City Council and Committee Meetings

While City Council's stance on Bill 60 is a landmark decision, it is part of a broader effort to involve the public in the democratic process. The City of Toronto provides various avenues for residents to participate in council and committee meetings, including submitting written comments or speaking at meetings.

For instance, residents can:

  • Submit Comments: Use the "Submit Comments" button on council and committee pages to send emails with your views. This feature ensures that your comments are documented and can be easily traced.
  • Participate at Hearings: Attend Committee of Adjustment hearings, which are held in a hybrid in-person and virtual format. Pre-registration is required for virtual attendance, and materials must be submitted by email in PDF format.

The Future of Housing Policy

The opposition to Bill 60 reflects a growing concern about the housing crisis and its impact on tenant rights. As the debate continues, it will be crucial to monitor the city's progress in addressing housing shortages and ensuring tenant protections. Data from the City of Toronto shows that 25,000 homes are expected to be built this year and next, which is a significant step towards alleviating the crisis.

However, the legal and policy challenges posed by Bill 60 highlight the need for ongoing engagement and collaboration between city officials and residents. As the situation evolves, it will be essential to watch how the city responds to the evolving housing landscape and the needs of its residents.