Issue 62 – 25, August 3rd, 2025
New Renoviction Bylaw Is a Good Idea
Slightly more than one-fifth of Canada's seniors who live in private dwellings, 21.5 per cent, are renters, according to Statistics Canada data.
Starting July 31, 2025, Toronto has introduced a new rule called the Renoviction Bylaw. This rule is important because it helps protect tenants—people who rent apartments—from unfair evictions. An eviction is when a landlord forces a tenant to leave, often so they can make repairs or renovations. Sometimes, landlords do this unfairly to raise the rent or get new, more expensive tenants. This unfair practice is called "renoviction."
Before this new law, many tenants were being evicted without real reasons. The number of eviction notices for renovations went up a lot between 2017 and 2022. This made it harder for people to find affordable places to live. The new bylaw is meant to stop landlords from evicting tenants just to make more money.
Under this law, landlords now need to get a special license from the city before evicting tenants to do renovations. They must show proof that renovations are really needed and follow rules about how to treat tenants fairly. For example, landlords must offer tenants temporary housing or pay them money if they want to return after renovations. They also must pay a fee of $700 to apply for this license.
This law is good because it makes landlords responsible. They can't just evict tenants whenever they want. Instead, they must follow rules that protect people's homes. If a tenant is evicted, they will get help and information about what to do next. This way, tenants are less likely to be unfairly kicked out of their homes.
The bylaw makes sure tenants are treated fairly. If a tenant is asked to leave because of renovations, the landlord must give them a choice: - Stay in a temporary, similar apartment while their unit is fixed, or - Leave and get paid money to help them find a new place.
Tenants also get a moving allowance, which helps cover moving costs. Plus, they have the right to return to their renovated home at the same rent they paid before. Before this rule, some landlords would evict tenants just to raise rent or make more money. Many renters, especially those with low incomes, struggled to find new affordable homes.
This new law helps protect those tenants and makes sure landlords are honest.
Overall, Toronto’s new Renoviction Bylaw is a good step toward making sure that tenants are treated fairly. It helps protect families and individuals from losing their homes unfairly. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live, and this law helps make that possible.
Read more - Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw – City of Toronto
#1 in series - Housing and the AFB
The Alternative Federal Budget Plans for Affordable Housing is a very good plan because it focuses on helping many Canadians who struggle to find a safe and affordable place to live. Today, many people, including seniors, face high rent prices, difficulty buying homes, and even homelessness. This plan offers real solutions to these problems and aims to make housing fairer and more accessible for everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable.
One of the main reasons this plan is good is because it promises to build one million new homes that people can afford. These homes will be non-profit, owned by the government or community groups, which means rents will stay low and affordable. For example, seniors on fixed incomes often find it hard to pay rising rent prices. By building more affordable housing, seniors can live comfortably without the fear of being evicted or facing unaffordable rent increases. The government will also provide loans to help build these homes, making sure they are built quickly and in large numbers so that many people, including seniors, benefit.
Another important part of the plan is helping people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It will provide cash assistance to help them pay for housing and prevent homelessness from happening. For seniors who may face health problems, this support can be life changing. For instance, an elderly person living alone and unable to afford rent might get help through this program, allowing them to stay in their home and avoid unsafe living conditions or homelessness.
The plan also includes buying land and existing rental buildings to keep them affordable. This is important because without intervention, rents can rise too high, making it impossible for seniors with limited incomes to stay in their communities. It will also change zoning laws to allow more non-market housing to be built in cities. This means seniors will have more options to live in homes close to family, healthcare, and services, which is especially important for those who need extra support.
Finally, the plan asks wealthy homeowners to contribute more through taxes on expensive homes. This money will go toward building more affordable housing and helping people in need. For example, a senior living in a house worth over $1 million might pay a small tax, which helps fund new affordable housing projects for others who need support.
Overall, the Alternative Federal Budget Plans for Affordable Housing is a good plan because it offers real actions like building more homes, protecting vulnerable populations like seniors, and making housing fairer. It ensures that seniors, who have worked hard all their lives, can enjoy their retirement in safe, affordable homes. This plan is a big step toward making housing fairer and more accessible for all Canadians, especially the most vulnerable ones.
Read more - afb-2025-affordable-housing-
Why Union Retirees Should Care About Heat Waves
As the climate changes, we are seeing more heat waves—days when temperatures soar to dangerous levels. These extreme heat events can be very harmful, especially for seniors and union retirees. It’s important for older adults and those who care about them to understand why this is a serious issue and how they can stay safe.
Scientists predict that, in the coming years, we will experience more and stronger heat waves. These hot days can cause serious health problems like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death. Cities are often hit harder because of the “urban heat island effect,” where buildings and pavement trap heat. During past heat waves in places like Vancouver, North America and Europe, hundreds of people lost their lives.
While everyone can be affected by extreme heat, seniors are especially vulnerable. Older adults often have pre-existing health conditions that make it harder for their bodies to handle high temperatures. They are also more likely to live alone or in places with poor ventilation, making it tougher to stay cool. People with lower income or living in substandard housing face even higher risks.
Some people believe that seniors don’t see themselves as vulnerable to heat waves. However, recent research shows that many seniors understand the risks correctly. In a study in Waterloo Region, Ontario, seniors showed a good awareness of how dangerous heat can be for their health. But their ability to cope with heat depends on access to resources like air conditioning or social support.
Social connections—like friends, family, and community groups—are very important for helping seniors during heat waves. Having someone check in on them or help them access cooling resources can prevent health problems. Unfortunately, some seniors feel ashamed or face social stigma about asking for help, which can keep them from seeking support when they need it most. To protect seniors from the dangers of heat waves, communities need to do more. Here are some ways to help:
Improve Communication: Make sure seniors know about available resources like cooling centers, fans, and emergency help. Build Social Networks:
Encourage community activities that foster social connections so seniors can support each other.
Reduce Stigma: Work to change attitudes that make seniors feel ashamed to ask for help.
Provide Resources: Increase access to air conditioning, fans, and transportation to cooling centers for seniors who need them.
Union Retirees often have more free time and can participate in community efforts. They can help spread awareness, check on neighbors, and advocate for better services. By understanding the risks and sharing information, retirees can play a vital role in making their communities safer during heat waves.
Climate change is making heat waves more common and intense. Participate in a webinar August 5, 7pm EST - Upcoming Events - Canadian Doctors for Medicare