A Thunder Bay woman who has spent the past year searching for a new place to live says Ontario’s new housing law, Bill 60, could make things even harder for renters.
Léonie BlackCat is waiting for a decision from the Landlord and Tenant Board about her current home while trying to find a safe and affordable rental in the city. She says many places are too expensive, unsafe, or not welcoming to people like her, including queer tenants or those with pets.
Bill 60, passed last week, aims to speed up the Landlord and Tenant Board and help build more rental housing. But many critics say it mostly helps landlords. The bill shortens the eviction notice period from 14 days to seven and gives tenants less time to challenge mistakes in eviction decisions.
BlackCat, who fears she may be evicted, joined others at a rally against the bill. She believes it will make it easier for bad landlords to push people out of their homes.
Thunder Bay is already struggling with a growing homelessness crisis, with more than 650 people counted as homeless. Local outreach workers say the bill could lead to even more people losing their housing, especially as winter sets in. They want more long-term affordable housing instead of temporary shelters.
Some parts of the bill that would have removed rent controls were taken out after public backlash, but advocates still warn it will cause more instability for low-income families, seniors, and vulnerable renters.
Supporters of the law say it will fix delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board and protect good-faith tenants, but advocates argue the fight isn’t over and want the bill overturned.
