Our government is working hard to deliver on items that matter to Ontarians.
In light of recent events, I have heard from many constituents regarding the increase in crime and deplorable acts of anti-Semitism we are currently witnessing in our city and province. Our government is concerned about public safety, and the effects of crime and antisemitism on our communities. I have personally informed Premier Ford that public safety is the number one issue for my community, and Premier Ford made several statements about public safety this spring. I am in regular communications with the Attorney General and the Solicitor General and am always looking for ways to increase the safety of our community and its members.
We are a law-and-order government, and we will always support our police services and ensure they have the resources that they need to enforce the law. We have made this clear to our municipal partners and police services, as all operational policing decisions rest with the Chief of Police and the police services board at the municipal level. We will continue to work with the other levels of government to put an end to this spate of crime.
In this edition of the Weekly Update, you can also find the latest news on what the province is doing to:
- Cap Rent Increases on Ontarians
- Invest in Hydroelectric Energy
- Launch a New Certification for the Tow Truck Industry
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Ontario Capping Rent Increases at the Lowest Rate in Canada
Ontario is holding the annual rent increase guideline for 2025 at 2.5 per cent. This is currently the lowest rate in the country and below the average inflation rate of 3.1 per cent. The rent increase guideline is the maximum amount a landlord can increase rent during the year for most tenants without the approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board.
The guideline is based on Ontario’s Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation calculated by Statistics Canada using data that reflects economic conditions over the past year. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, the guideline is capped at 2.5 per cent to help protect tenants from rising interest rates that would result in higher rent. Without the cap, the recent rate of inflation would have resulted in an increase of 3.1 per cent in 2025.
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Rent increases are not automatic or mandatory. Landlords may raise rent only if they give tenants at least 90 days’ written notice using the correct form. At least 12 months must have passed since the first day of the tenancy or the last rent increase. If a tenant believes they have received an improper rent increase, they can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to request a correction.
Over the last three years, Ontario has seen the highest housing starts and rental housing starts in over three decades.
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Province Investing in Hydroelectric Energy in Eastern Ontario
The Ontario government is expanding and refurbishing clean electricity generation by announcing support for Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) approximately $1 billion investment to refurbish eight hydroelectric generating stations in Eastern Ontario. This infrastructure program would secure 1,617 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity generation, equivalent to powering 1.6 million homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fueling the province’s growth.
Through this investment OPG will refurbish 45 units at eight generating stations: the Arnprior, Barrett Chute, Mountain Chute, Stewartville, Chats Falls, Chenaux, Des Joachims, and Otto Holden stations. The work includes major rehabilitation of generating equipment to increase production. Once completed, the stations are expected to produce up to 100 gigawatt hours of additional clean electricity each year, equivalent to powering over 11,000 homes.
The work will create more than 500 highly skilled and well-paid jobs across Eastern Ontario. Along with OPG’s recent investment of more than $600 million to refurbish the R.H. Saunders Generating Station, Ontario is investing close to $1.6 billion in Eastern Ontario hydroelectricity refurbishments to secure up to 2,673 MW of clean electricity.
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This investment in Ontario’s hydroelectric fleet is just one part of Powering Ontario’s Growth, the government’s pragmatic plan which outlines the actions the province is taking, subject to receiving all necessary approvals, to meet growing energy demand and reduce emissions by expanding Ontario’s reliable, affordable and clean grid, including:
- Nuclear Energy – Advancing reliable, affordable and clean nuclear power through pre-development work for new large-scale nuclear at the Bruce Power site, planning and licensing for four small modular reactors at Darlington and supporting OPG’s plan to proceed with next steps toward refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.
- Competitive Procurements – Acquiring 4,000 MW of electricity generation and storage and planning more competitive procurements for electricity resources.
- New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creators including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
- Keeping Costs Down – Launching new energy efficiency programs on January 1, 2025, building on the government’s $342 million expansion of existing energy efficiency programs which are helping families and businesses reduce their electricity use so they can save money on their energy bills.
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Ontario Launching New Certification for the Towing Industry
The Ontario government is increasing safety, supporting customers and improving standards in the towing industry. Effective July 1, 2024, Ontario will become the first province in Canada to require both tow truck drivers and vehicle storage operators to have a certificate to operate, helping protect drivers against fraudulent towing companies.
“While the vast majority of Ontario’s towing industry operates in good faith, bad actors have preyed on vulnerable drivers for too long,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That is why our government is helping to level the playing field, giving people confidence and peace of mind when they need help at the side of the road.”
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Among the new protections, consumers will be able to choose the company that tows their vehicle (unless directed by police) and request a driver’s proof of certificate. In addition, tow truck drivers will be required to provide information on the maximum fees (rate) they are permitted to charge and take the customer’s vehicle to the desired location using the most direct route.
To receive or maintain a towing certificate, tow truck drivers will be required to complete a mandatory training program and complete a criminal record check. Drivers found operating without appropriate credentials will face fines, possible vehicle impoundment and risk forfeiting future certification.
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My constituency office is open Monday to Friday from 10AM to 4PM.
If you have any questions or concerns we’re readily available to assist you.
You can also reach us by phone at (416) 781-2395
or by email at robin.martin@pc.ola.org.
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Warmest Wishes,
 Robin Martin, MPP
Eglinton-Lawrence
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