March 12, 2025 VIA EMAIL
The Hon. Doug Ford
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1
premier@ontario.ca
Dear Premier Ford,
Re: Motion to Request Landlord Tenant Reforms
At its Regular Meeting of Council held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Town of
Bradford West Gwillimbury Council approved the following resolution:
Resolution 2025-79
Moved: Councillor Giordano
Seconded: Councillor Dykie
Whereas Ontario has expanded the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) framework to address the housing supply crisis, which includes the need to balance the interests of both tenants and small-scale landlords;
Whereas small-scale landlords may face financial strain when tenants withhold rent in bad faith, and delayed dispute resolution systems can result in undue hardship for landlords, while also affecting tenants’ security and well-being;
Whereas it is crucial to support the development of legal ADUs and secondary rentals while ensuring tenants’ rights are respected and upheld;
Whereas proposed reforms could include:
- Accelerating dispute resolution for ADUs and secondary rentals at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) within 30 days, ensuring fairness for both tenants and landlords
- Introducing mediation services to resolve disputes quickly and amicably, reducing reliance on lengthy hearings
- Providing both landlords and tenants with enhanced tools for clear communication, such as standardized rental agreements and better screening practices
- Strengthening protections for tenants against unfair eviction while enforcing stricter penalties for tenants withholding rent in bad faith
- Ensuring law enforcement access to properties only under appropriate circumstances, respecting tenants’ rights while supporting landlords in the resolution of unpaid rent issues
- Establishing a hardship relief fund for landlords impacted by unpaid rent, while ensuring tenants are also supported in cases of financial distress
- Offering free or low-cost legal assistance to both landlords and tenants to navigate disputes fairly.
Now therefore it be resolved that the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Council requests the provincial government to look at ways to implement these balanced reforms that protect both small-scale landlords and tenants, ensuring fairness in the rental market; and
Be if further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Premier Doug Ford, our local Member of Provincial Parliament, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Attorney General, and all Ontario municipalities to support the creation of balanced protections for both landlords and tenants
CARRIED.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Regards,
Tara Reynolds
Clerk, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
(905) 775-5366 Ext 1104
treynolds@townofbwg.com