Ottawa City staff have concluded that the City of Ottawa does not require its own renoviction bylaw, a stance that has drawn sharp disagreement from a city councillor. The issue, which centers on tenant protections during renovations, has become a flashpoint in local housing debates.
Staff Report Recommends No New Bylaw
According to a report prepared by municipal staff, existing provincial regulations are sufficient to address renovictions—a practice where landlords evict tenants to perform major renovations, often leading to permanent displacement. The report argues that a local bylaw would create unnecessary duplication and administrative burden.
“The province already has mechanisms in place to protect tenants from bad-faith evictions,” the report states. “Adding a municipal layer would not significantly improve outcomes for renters.”
Councillor Pushes Back
However, Councillor Shawn Menard, who represents Somerset Ward, strongly disagrees with the staff’s assessment. He argues that the current system fails to protect vulnerable tenants, particularly in a tight rental market where renovictions are on the rise.
“We have a housing crisis, and renovictions are making it worse,” Menard said in an interview. “A municipal bylaw would give us the tools to enforce real protections and ensure tenants aren’t pushed out of their homes unfairly.”
Menard has previously advocated for measures such as requiring landlords to obtain a permit before evicting for renovations and providing relocation assistance to displaced tenants.
Broader Housing Context
The debate comes amid escalating housing affordability challenges in Ottawa, where rental vacancy rates remain low and average rents continue to climb. Tenant advocacy groups have long called for stronger local protections, arguing that provincial rules are rarely enforced.
“We see renovictions happening all the time, and tenants have little recourse,” said Emily Hawes, a spokesperson for the Ottawa Tenants Union. “A bylaw would send a clear message that the city takes this issue seriously.”
City council is expected to debate the matter in the coming weeks, with a final vote likely before the summer recess. The outcome could have significant implications for thousands of renters across the capital.
