On behalf of the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on Bill 10, Section 8. The Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa represents over 75 agencies in the housing and homelessness sector in Ottawa. Many are non-profit housing providers or service providers supporting people with complex needs. Alliance members have expressed significant concern over the implications for landlords and service providers in Bill 10 - Proposed New Regulations under the Measures Respecting Premises with Illegal Drug Activity Act, 2025 (MRPIDAA).
We are glad to see that the government has clearly heard sector concerns and responded by introducing numerous exemptions for the non-profit sector. This reflects a strong understanding of the role community organizations play in supporting housing stability and public health. While this is a positive step, we recommend further action to fully address the risks identified by landlords and service providers.
Ongoing concerns
As drafted, Bill 10 will continue to create a chilling effect among residential and commercial landlords by increasing perceived liability and uncertainty. The lack of a clear exemption for commercial landlords is particularly concerning and may discourage leasing to social service providers or to businesses operating in areas with higher visible drug use.
Bill 10 also raises practical questions about monitoring and enforcement. Landlords are not equipped to police the behaviour of tenants or third parties, yet the legislation may place them in a position where they feel responsible for doing so.
There is also concern that this environment of increased perceived risk may deepen existing stigma faced by people exiting homelessness. Individuals who are already struggling to secure housing may face even greater barriers if landlords fear potential liability or complications associated with renting to tenants with complex needs. As a result, people working to exit homelessness could find it even more difficult to secure stable housing.
These dynamics could unintentionally reduce access to both housing and essential services, potentially increasing unsheltered homelessness and public drug use—outcomes that run counter to shared community safety goals.
Recommendations
Given the positive changes already reflected in Bill 10, we respectfully urge the government to consider either:
- Repealing Section 8 altogether in order to avoid unintended consequences as laid out in these comments.
- Introducing significant amendments that address the concerns outlined above, including explicit exemptions for all residential and commercial landlords.
Conclusion
Ensuring that everyone has access to housing is the foundation of thriving, safe communities. We share the government’s goal of safer neighbourhoods and healthier communities—and that must include people experiencing homelessness. Policies that unintentionally narrow access to rental housing risk moving us further from our shared objectives. By revisiting Section 8, the province can help ensure people exiting homelessness continue to have fair opportunities to secure and maintain housing.
The Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa and our members remain committed to working collaboratively with the government on balanced, evidence-informed approaches that support both community safety and housing stability.