Ontario’s Bill 10: What it means for community housing providers
Bill 10: Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, 2025
The Ontario government has passed Bill 10, Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, 2025, a new law aimed at addressing illegal drug activity and improving public safety. It includes proposed regulations under the Measures Respecting Premises with Illegal Drug Activity Act, which could place new responsibilities on housing providers, including non-profit organizations.
Like the government, ONPHA and our members are committed to creating safe, healthy communities, and many non-profits have already invested in safety measures such as lighting, security, and community supports. But non-profit housing providers are not the same as private landlords. They operate under tight budgets, rely on volunteer leadership, and focus on long-term community well-being.
We’re calling for clear, practical rules that reflect how our sector works, along with collaboration and support from the province so community housing providers can keep doing what they do best: housing people safely and affordably.
Read the full legislation here.
How Bill 10 could impact community housing providers
ONPHA submitted a written response to the proposed bill. Here is an overview of our main concerns with the proposed regulation:
- Funding for safety measures: Non-profit providers have limited budgets and can’t take on new safety costs alone.
- Personal liability risks: Fines or legal responsibility for board members and staff could deter volunteer leadership.
- Staff capacity limits: Housing staff aren’t trained law enforcement and need clarity on their role under new rules.
- Unintended consequences: Without careful implementation, the regulations could harm providers’ ability to house vulnerable tenants.
- Need for collaboration: Sector input is essential to make regulations realistic and effective.
Resources for ONPHA members
Use our key messages when you talk to local politicians and representatives about Bill 10. This will help keep our message clear and consistent, and make our advocacy for the community housing sector stronger.
ONPHA is developing more practical materials to help you prepare, stay informed, and protect your organization. We’re also partnering with legal experts to provide deeper insight into your responsibilities and risks under the proposed regulations.
We’re actively consulting members across the province, and your experiences are helping shape the resources we’re creating to reflect the real needs of non-profit housing providers.
Stay tuned for updates in upcoming member emails and on the website.
Questions? Reach out to us anytime at policy@onpha.org
