Toronto cracks down on slumlords and resists airport expansion plans
Toronto city council met today to tackle pressing local issues, from housing conditions to airport expansion plans. Among the key discussions was a crackdown on negligent landlords, with Mayor Olivia Chow leading a motion to strengthen tenant protections. The council also took a firm stance against provincial plans for Billy Bishop Airport, setting up a clash with Premier Doug Ford's government. The meeting began with a focus on housing, as Canada Post recently halted mail delivery to 500 Dawes Rd due to health and safety concerns. Mayor Chow introduced a motion to make it easier to identify and penalise problem landlords by tracking repeated violations. The proposal includes calls to the province to increase fines for property standards breaches and reinstate rent control. Chow declared, 'We will shut down bad landlords,' and outlined plans to place liens on properties where landlords refuse to fund necessary repairs, with added interest if needed. The motion also seeks to provide more direct support for tenants at 500 Dawes Rd, where conditions have deteriorated.
Attention then shifted to the waterfront, where Premier Ford's plan to take over the city's share of Billy Bishop Airport land sparked opposition. The provincial government aims to expand the airport to accommodate jets, with federal interest in the proposal. However, council voted to formally oppose the takeover, led by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik. Chow insisted that Torontonians should have a say in the future of their waterfront, warning that any expansion would impact the Port Lands and surrounding areas. As of March 2026, the takeover remains a proposal, with legislation expected in the spring session but no immediate changes to infrastructure or the local economy. The council also addressed concerns about a nearby yacht club, though no major decisions were reached on the matter.
The city's actions mark a clear push to hold landlords accountable while resisting provincial control over the waterfront. If approved, Chow's motion would give Toronto stronger tools to enforce housing standards and recover repair costs. Meanwhile, the opposition to the airport takeover sets the stage for further negotiations with Queen's Park, as any expansion remains years away from implementation.
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