What New Laws, Rules & Regulations Should Ontario Citizens Be Prepared for in 2025?

What New Laws, Regulations and Rules Should Ontario Citizens Be Prepared for in 2025?

Ontarians are stepping into 2025 with a host of new laws and regulations that could impact their daily lives. From housing and transportation to childcare and waste management, here’s a breakdown of the major changes citizens should be ready for this year.

Rental Renoviction Bylaw: Protecting Tenants

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the Rental Renoviction Bylaw, designed to combat unfair evictions. But what exactly is renoviction? This term refers to landlords evicting tenants under the guise of renovating the property, only to re-rent it at a much higher rate.

Toronto officials are cracking down on this practice, which has disproportionately impacted low-income and marginalized communities. Starting July 31, 2025, landlords issuing an N-13 notice for renovations must comply with strict requirements, including:

• Applying for a Rental Renovation License (with a $700 application fee).
• Providing approved building permits and a report verifying the need for vacant possession.
• Submitting a tenant accommodation and compensation plan.
• Offering severance compensation if tenants opt not to return.

This new bylaw aims to bring fairness to Toronto’s tight rental market, providing tenants with much-needed protection.

Zoning Changes for Nightclubs

Another notable regulation is the new zoning bylaw for nightclubs in downtown Toronto. The rules aim to reduce the number of nightclubs in the city center, mandating that entertainment establishments must:

• Be located in non-residential buildings.
• Be the only nightclub in the building.
• Operate only on the first floor or basement.

These restrictions could result in nightclubs moving to other areas of the province—a potential shift in Ontario’s entertainment landscape.

Highway 407 ETR: New Toll Rates

Frequent users of Ontario’s Highway 407 ETR will notice changes to toll rates. Starting this year, a new rate schedule will take effect, with charges based on vehicle classifications:

• Motorcycles: 0.8x the light vehicle rate.
• Medium vehicles: 1.5x the light vehicle rate.
• Light vehicles: Rates ranging from 3 to 14 cents per kilometer, depending on time and zone.

The highway’s current four zones will expand to 12, allowing for more precise toll adjustments. While this may better reflect road usage, drivers should prepare for potentially higher costs.

Rising Waste and Water Fees

Ontarians will face higher waste and water fees in 2025. Starting January 1, rates will increase by 3.75%, impacting households as follows:

On average, a single-family household will see an additional $39 annually, bringing the total cost for waste and water services to $1,078.

Other Key Changes in 2025

Here are additional laws and regulations to keep on your radar:

• New Building Codes:
  • Updated codes take effect January 1, 2025, with a three-month grace period until March 31 for ongoing designs.
• Affordable Childcare:
  • Parent fees in CWELCC (Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care) programs will be capped at $22 per day for children under six.
• Digital Workers’ Protection:
  • Starting July 1, Ontario’s Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act will ensure workers (e.g., Uber, DoorDash) are paid at least minimum wage per assignment and provided clear pay calculations.
• Immigration Adjustments:
  • The federal government plans to reduce permanent resident intake from 500,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025, temporarily slowing population growth.
• GST/HST Food Tax Break:
  • Temporary savings on food bills for families spending $2,000+ monthly will end in February 2025.

What Does This Mean for Ontarians?

With rising costs and tighter regulations, 2025 brings both challenges and opportunities for Ontarians. While some laws, like the Rental Renoviction Bylaw and Digital Workers’ Protection Act, provide safeguards for vulnerable groups, others, such as increased waste fees and highway tolls, may strain household budgets.

It’s a year of adjustment, and staying informed is key. For more updates and community-focused insights, visit BlackWallStreet.ca.