Town Hall Sounds Alarm on Bill 60 and Its Impact on Housing, Transit, and Toronto’s Future

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A virtual town hall hosted by MPP Jessica Bell on Monday, November 17 brought residents together to examine how Bill 60 could reshape life in Toronto — from renters’ rights to local planning, sustainable transit, and climate action. Held over Zoom, the event focused on what the province’s proposed changes could mean for neighbourhoods already facing high rents, rapid development, and mounting transit needs. For Regent Park and surrounding Downtown East communities — where most people rent and rely on stable public transit — the concerns raised struck close to home. Participants shared stories about affordability pressures and fears that Bill 60 could accelerate displacement, weaken tenant protections, and give developers more control over neighbourhood planning. Advocates warned that loosening planning rules and limiting community input would make it harder to build fair, climate-resilient neighbourhoods. Speakers also stressed that housing and transit can’t be separated. With rising costs pushing families to the edge, residents said stronger tenant protections, reliable transit, and long-term planning are essential to keeping communities intact. Throughout the town hall, attendees emphasized action — from contacting elected officials to supporting community groups fighting for tenant rights and sustainable city planning. Many highlighted the need to protect affordable housing stock now, before further legislative changes take hold. Here is the full town hall discussion, offering an in-depth look at what Bill 60 could mean for Regent Park and the wider city — and what residents can do next.  

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