New laws and rules coming to Ontario next month

New laws and rules coming to Ontario next month include a handful of changes that will affect everyday workers, tenants, and landlords.

From new minimum wage rates to heating requirements, these are all the new changes you need to be aware of.

These are the new laws and rules coming to Ontario this October.

Minimum wage

The Ontario government will be increasing its general minimum wage next month from $17.60 to $17.95. The 35-cent increase, which comes into effect on Oct. 1, is tied to Ontario's Consumer Price Index at 1.9 per cent.

For someone who works 40 hours a week at the general minimum wage, the increase works out to an additional $14 per week, or approximately $728 more per year before taxes.

"Ontario workers are the engine of this province," said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. "By raising the minimum wage to one of the highest in Canada, our government is putting more money in the pockets of Ontario workers, supporting families through economic uncertainty and giving businesses the stability and predictability they need to plan and grow."

Ontario's minimum wage is adjusted every fall based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index, as required under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. 

On Oct. 1, the province's student minimum wage will also rise from $16.60 to $16.90 per hour. This rate applies to students under 18 who work 28 hours a week or less while school is in session, or who work during a school break or summer holidays.

Toronto's municipal election

Toronto's 2026 municipal election will also be taking place next month, with voters heading to the polls on Monday, Oct. 26.

Election Day voting runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., while advance voting takes place from Tuesday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There are also a few other important deadlines throughout October that voters should be aware of. On Oct. 11, eligible voters have until 7 p.m. to add or update their information on the voters' list. After this deadline, you can only make changes at your specific voting place on election day.

For those voting by mail, Toronto Elections must receive your completed mail-in voting package by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Marked ballots and supporting documents can be returned using a secure Toronto Elections drop box or the prepaid Canada Post envelope. One yellow drop box will be available in each ward from Oct. 1 until noon on Oct. 14.

Voters can confirm, add, or update their information on the voters' list through Toronto's elections website, by emailing VoterRegistration@toronto.ca or by calling 311.

Indoor heating requirements

As temperatures begin to drop, Toronto's rules around indoor heating will also kick in.

Landlords and property owners are responsible for providing heat to a minimum indoor air temperature of 21 C starting from Oct. 1 until May 15, as per the Indoor Temperature Standards Bylaw.

The City notes that landlords and property owners should use their best judgment when outdoor temperatures raise indoor temperatures above 21 C during the spring or fall, and consider turning the heat off when appropriate.