Ontario’s Rental Crisis: Tenants Rally, NDP Pushback, and Legal Clinics Warn of Rising Homelessness

Across Ontario, a wave of concern is sweeping through tenants, housing advocates, and legal aid providers as the province moves forward with Bill 60, a set of sweeping changes to the Residential Tenancies Act. The legislation, championed by Premier Doug Ford’s government, promises to increase rental supply and curb what officials call “unfair rent hikes.” Yet the rollout has ignited fierce opposition, sparking rallies, political visits, and warnings that the new rules could deepen homelessness.

Bill 60: What the Government Is Proposing

Bill 60 introduces several controversial measures: it caps rent increases at a lower rate than inflation, expands the ability of landlords to evict tenants for “non‑payment” and “non‑compliance,” and creates a new “rental‑price transparency” registry. Proponents argue that the bill will make the market more predictable for renters and encourage the construction of new units. Critics, however, contend that the changes tilt the balance heavily in favor of landlords, reducing security for renters and potentially driving vulnerable households onto the streets.

Tenants and Housing Advocates Take to Queen’s Park

On November 22, 2025, hundreds of tenants, community organizers, and housing‑rights groups gathered outside the Ontario Legislative Building in Queen’s Park. The rally, titled “Stand Up for Secure Housing,” featured personal stories of families facing sudden eviction notices and rising utility costs. Speakers highlighted how the bill’s eviction provisions could be used to pressure tenants into paying higher rents or abandoning their homes. The crowd demanded that the government pause the legislation, conduct a thorough impact study, and introduce stronger tenant protections.

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles Visits Peterborough

In a direct response, Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles traveled to Peterborough to meet with renters, local officials, and advocacy groups. Stiles criticized Bill 60 as “a rushed, landlord‑first agenda” that ignores the lived realities of Ontario’s 5 million renters. She pledged to introduce amendments that would restore tenant rights, strengthen rent‑control mechanisms, and fund emergency housing supports. The visit underscored the political divide: while the Progressive Conservatives push for market‑driven solutions, the NDP emphasizes affordable, stable housing as a fundamental right.

Legal Clinics Warn of a Surge in Homelessness

Legal aid clinics across the province have issued stark warnings. In London, frontline lawyers reported a sharp increase in inquiries from tenants facing eviction notices under the new rules. Clinic directors warned that the streamlined eviction process could overwhelm the already‑stretched legal system, leaving many without representation. They cautioned that without additional safeguards, the province could see a measurable rise in homelessness within the next year, especially among low‑income families and seniors.

What This Means for Ontarians

The debate over Bill 60 illustrates a broader tension in Ontario’s housing market: the clash between supply‑side incentives and the need for tenant security. For renters, the immediate concerns are clear—potentially higher rents, reduced legal recourse, and the threat of displacement. For landlords, the promise of a more predictable rent‑increase ceiling is appealing, but the new eviction powers may also expose them to reputational risks if perceived as overly aggressive.

Looking Ahead: Possible Paths Forward

• Policy Revision: The provincial government could pause the legislation and commission an independent impact assessment, incorporating feedback from tenants, legal experts, and housing NGOs.
• Strengthening Legal Aid: Expanding funding for legal clinics would ensure renters have access to representation, mitigating the risk of wrongful evictions.
• Community‑Based Solutions: Municipalities could develop local rent‑control bylaws and support cooperative housing models to provide affordable alternatives.

As the conversation continues, the voices of those most affected—tenants, advocates, and legal professionals—remain vital. Their collective action may shape the final form of Ontario’s rental framework, ensuring that any reforms balance market growth with the fundamental right to secure, affordable housing.

Stay informed, get involved, and support organizations fighting for tenant rights. The future of Ontario’s housing depends on the choices we make today.