Court Adds Massive Interest to Original Judgment

First, an Ontario court increased the amount Iran must pay a Canadian torture survivor. Then, the court added decades of interest to a previous award. As a result, the total jumped from about $200 million to roughly $560 million. Moreover, the judge applied a five per cent annual interest rate to damages already granted.

Next, the court calculated 36 years of interest because the abuse began in 1990. Therefore, about $360 million was added on top of the earlier ruling. Additionally, the case now stands as one of the largest civil awards ever made in Canada to an individual.

Meanwhile, lawyer Mark Arnold, who represents the victim, said the ruling may set a national record. Furthermore, he noted that legal steps will continue to enforce payment.

Torture Case Stemming From 1990s Iran

First, the case centres on Zahed Haftlang, a man who survived torture in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Then, he came to Canada in 2001 as a refugee after suffering years of abuse.

Moreover, Haftlang once served as a child soldier during the Iran-Iraq war. Afterward, he was detained in Iran and tortured after officials viewed him with suspicion. In addition, the court found that authorities targeted him for political, religious, and ideological reasons.

Furthermore, Haftlang later worked on a cargo ship and escaped to Vancouver’s English Bay. Then, a kayaker helped him reach safety onshore. Eventually, he rebuilt his life in Canada and now lives in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.

Court Finds State Responsibility Under Terror Law

Next, the Ontario court ruled that Iran’s actions counted as terrorism under Canadian law. Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran could not use normal state immunity protections in this case.

Moreover, the court said the “revolutionary arm” of the state, led by Iran’s supreme leadership, carried responsibility for the torture. In addition, this ruling expanded how Canadian law treats state-linked human rights abuses.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act allows victims to sue states that support or carry out terrorism. As a result, courts can order compensation and allow victims to seek seized Iranian assets.

What Happens Next in the Case

First, Haftlang’s legal team plans to serve the judgment to Iran’s leadership. Then, they intend to pursue enforcement if Iran refuses payment. Moreover, the amount will continue to grow at four per cent annually if unpaid.

Additionally, Canada already allows victims to claim frozen or seized Iranian assets. Therefore, enforcement could target state-linked property inside and outside Canada.

Finally, this case highlights how Canadian courts continue to expand accountability for international human rights abuses.

The post Ontario Court Boosts Iran Torture Payout to $560M first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Ontario Murder Suspect Linked to B.C. Communities

Police in Ontario are now asking people in British Columbia to stay alert. Meanwhile, two men are wanted in a serious murder case. In fact, one suspect may already be in B.C.

Additionally, officers say he could have ties to several communities, including Richmond, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Terrace.

What Happened in Perth, Ontario

On April 12, officers went to a park in Perth, Ontario. At that time, they found a man with very serious injuries. As a result, emergency crews rushed him to hospital.

However, the man later died from his injuries. He was identified as 34-year-old Christo Allison Richards from Ottawa.

Moreover, investigators quickly began looking into what happened. Subsequently, they treated the case as a homicide.

Two Men Now Wanted for Murder

Police have now issued warrants for two suspects. They are Joseph Madore, 34, and Brayton Kennedy, 28. Both are from Ottawa.

Additionally, both men face charges of second-degree murder.

Meanwhile, investigators are working across multiple agencies. For example, they are working with forensic teams and the coroner’s office. In fact, several specialist units are now involved in the case.

Suspect May Be in British Columbia

Police believe Joseph Madore may currently be in British Columbia. Moreover, they say he could have connections in Richmond, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Terrace.

At the same time, Brayton Kennedy may still be in the Ottawa area. However, officers also say he could be travelling.

Therefore, police are warning the public to stay cautious. In addition, they stress that no one should approach either suspect.

Instead, people should contact police right away if they see them.

Public Asked to Help

Police are now asking for help from the public. Additionally, any small detail could help the investigation.

Therefore, anyone with information should call the Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

Meanwhile, officers continue their search across provinces. In fact, they say public awareness is very important right now.

Safety Reminder from Police

Finally, police remind everyone to stay safe. Do not approach the suspects. Instead, report sightings immediately.

Moreover, investigators say the case is still active. Therefore, more updates may come as the search continues.

The post Ontario Murder Suspect Linked to Richmond B.C. Search first appeared on Maple News Wire.

A Cross-Border Crime Pipeline Comes Into Focus

First, a Florida former truck driver has been sentenced in the United States. Then, court records revealed something far bigger. They showed a gun smuggling network that linked Florida to Canada.

Next, investigators tied those weapons to serious violence in Ontario and Quebec. Also, the case included a Toronto shootout and a fatal Hamilton shooting. As a result, officials raised alarms about how easily guns move across the border.

Meanwhile, prosecutors said the man, Erhan John Er, pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms. Therefore, he now faces more than four years in a U.S. prison.

Guns Bought in the U.S., Then Sent North

First, Er legally bought dozens of handguns in Florida. Then, he moved them up to 2,000 kilometres into Canada. After that, he sold them to a Canadian partner for profit and a $1,000 fee per gun.

Also, records show he bought 28 firearms in 2022. However, 18 of those guns still have not been found.

In addition, investigators said he falsely claimed on federal forms that he was the real buyer. As a result, U.S. authorities charged him with conspiracy and trafficking.

Weapons Linked to Toronto Shootout

Next, one of those guns appeared in Toronto during a violent shootout in November 2024. Also, police said the incident involved close to 100 shots fired.

Meanwhile, officers called the event extremely dangerous. Therefore, they said it showed the real risk of illegal firearms in the city.

In addition, police recovered several guns from crime scenes across Toronto and nearby regions. As a result, investigators began connecting multiple cases to the same smuggling source.

Hamilton Killing and Other Crime Scenes

First, another weapon traced to the same smuggling ring appeared in Hamilton. Then, police linked it to a June 2024 shooting that killed 45-year-old Tobenna Obiaga.

Also, investigators said the victim died after a disturbance at a house party. Meanwhile, the case deeply affected his family, including his children and an unborn child.

In addition, authorities found related firearms in York, Durham, Halton, Thunder Bay, and even Quebec. Therefore, the pattern stretched across two provinces.

Most Crime Guns Came From the U.S.

Next, Toronto police reported a major trend. Also, they said 86% of traced crime guns in the city came from the United States.

Meanwhile, this case added more proof of that pattern. Therefore, officials stressed the need for stronger cross-border control.

In addition, investigators found that all recovered weapons in this case were Glock pistols. As a result, they focused on tracing serial numbers to rebuild the path.

Serial Numbers Erased, Then Restored

First, smugglers tried to hide the guns. Then, they ground off or drilled out serial numbers.

However, investigators later restored those numbers. As a result, they linked the weapons back to the Florida buyer.

Also, agents found tools and handwritten records in a storage unit tied to Er. Meanwhile, those records showed payments and gun movements.

Co-Conspirator Still Not Charged

Next, court files mention a second person known only as “Person-1.” Also, this person allegedly paid Er for each smuggled gun.

However, authorities have not charged this individual yet. Therefore, the investigation remains open.

In addition, prosecutors say the case is still active. As a result, more arrests could follow.

A Larger Warning for Border Security

Finally, this case shows a clear pattern. First, guns move legally in the U.S. Then, they cross into Canada illegally.

Also, they end up at violent crime scenes. Therefore, both countries continue to face pressure to tighten enforcement.

In addition, police say they will keep tracking illegal firearms. Meanwhile, investigators continue to search for missing weapons tied to this case.

The post Florida Trucker Gun Smuggling Linked to Ontario Crimes first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Police Hunt Clues in 2024 Niagara Falls Homicide

Two years after a shocking 2024 shooting in Niagara Falls, Ontario, investigators are still piecing together the deadly puzzle. The victim, Randy Fader, a 29-year-old father, was gunned down outside his home in what authorities say may be connected to a sprawling criminal network allegedly led by former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding.

Police are racing to unlock Fader’s iPhone and identify additional suspects, hoping it will shed light on a series of unsolved crimes linked to the same organization.

The Shooting and the Suspects

Fader was shot in the head on April 1, 2024, as he stood in his driveway. The gunman, believed to have exited a white Audi Q7 SUV, fled the scene. Fader later died in hospital.

Malik Damion Cunningham, 24, was arrested in Ontario but faces U.S. charges for the killing. Prosecutors allege Cunningham acted under orders from Wedding’s alleged second-in-command, Andrew Clark. Court records suggest Clark communicated via encrypted messages, offering Cunningham $100,000 plus expenses to carry out the “driveway job.”

Investigators also suspect at least one other accomplice and are examining whether the firearm and SUV used in the attack are linked to other crimes.

Evidence Still Locked

Niagara Regional Police Detective-Constable James Prinsen, in a recently released affidavit, emphasized the importance of accessing Fader’s phone. “Once this phone is accessed, additional investigative leads will be generated which will assist in identifying the individuals responsible for Randy Fader’s murder,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Cunningham remains in custody in Canada, challenging extradition to the United States. His lawyer, Jassi Vamadevan, requested further disclosure of police notes, body-cam footage, and CCTV material to strengthen his defence.

International Connections and Alleged Cartel Ties

U.S. authorities allege that Wedding’s network supplied Cunningham with military-style training in Mexico, two Glock handguns, and a green Ford Explorer SUV with Alberta plates. Cunningham was arrested in the vehicle near a funeral in Vaughan, Ontario, two weeks after Fader’s death, with ammunition, phones, and cash inside.

Authorities have not publicly stated why Fader was targeted, but U.S. prosecutors claim he had ties to international drug trafficking. Wedding’s organization reportedly moved 60 tonnes of cocaine annually across North America and used hitmen to eliminate rivals, including a tragic mistaken-identity shooting of an Indian family in Caledon, Ontario.

Ongoing Investigation

Clark, Wedding’s alleged “right-hand man,” became an FBI informant in 2025, aiding authorities in their investigation. Wedding himself was captured in Mexico and extradited to the U.S., where he faces murder and drug-trafficking charges. He has not been formally charged in connection with Fader’s death.

Police continue to unravel the complex network, connecting violent crimes across borders and hoping new leads will emerge from the remaining evidence.

The post Ontario Police Probe 2024 Shooting Linked to Ryan Wedding Network first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Ontario’s Sunshine List Is Out — And It’s Bigger Than Ever

Ontario’s latest Sunshine List has dropped, and once again, it’s turning heads. Every year, the province releases the names of public sector employees earning over $100,000. However, this year’s list tells a bigger story — not just about top earners, but also about how fast the list itself is growing.

Right away, one thing stands out: more people than ever are making the cut.

A Familiar Name Takes the Top Spot

Leading the pack again is former Ontario Power Generation CEO Kenneth Hartwick. He earned more than $1.9 million in 2025, keeping him firmly at the top. Although his pay dipped slightly from the previous year, he still outpaced everyone else.

Meanwhile, Ontario Power Generation dominates the rankings. In fact, its executives claimed the top five positions and seven of the top ten. Most of them earned well over $1 million, showing how lucrative leadership roles in the energy sector can be.

Close behind, current CEO Nicolle Butcher secured second place with nearly $1.6 million in earnings.

Health Sector Leaders Also Rank High

Beyond energy, health care executives also landed near the top. Kevin Smith of University Health Network earned just under $940,000, while SickKids CEO Ronald Cohn followed with about $880,000.

These figures highlight how leadership in major health institutions continues to command high salaries, especially in large urban centres.

Politicians See Pay Increases

At the same time, Ontario’s political leaders also saw salary boosts.

Premier Doug Ford earned $269,567 in 2025, a noticeable jump from the year before. Interestingly, two of his senior staff members earned even more, signalling how key advisory roles are being highly compensated.

In Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow also received a raise, bringing her earnings to over $240,000. Still, she was not the highest-paid mayor. That title went to Markham’s Frank Scarpitti, who earned more than $308,000.

The List Keeps Growing — Fast

Perhaps the most striking trend is the size of the list itself. This year, over 404,000 public sector workers earned more than $100,000. That’s a sharp increase from last year’s total.

However, there’s an important detail: the $100,000 threshold hasn’t changed since 1996. When adjusted for inflation, that figure would be closer to $185,000 today.

Because of this, more mid-level professionals — including teachers, nurses, and municipal workers — are now appearing on the list.

What’s Driving the Increase?

According to Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney, several factors played a role. For example, retroactive pay increases and new collective agreements pushed salaries higher.

Additionally, municipalities contributed significantly to the growth. Police, firefighters, and local services workers made up a large portion of new additions.

As a result, the list now reflects a broader slice of the public workforce, not just top executives.

Police Salaries Draw Attention

In law enforcement, Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah topped the charts with earnings above $600,000. Toronto’s police chief followed, earning over $445,000.

Notably, several Toronto officers facing charges in a major corruption investigation also appeared on the list. Their salaries ranged from just over $130,000 to nearly $180,000, drawing added public scrutiny.

Is the Sunshine List Still Relevant?

While the list was created to spotlight high earners, some argue it no longer serves that purpose well.

Union leader Dave Bulmer says the list has lost meaning over time. Because the salary threshold hasn’t kept up with inflation, it now includes many workers who wouldn’t have been considered high earners decades ago.

In today’s economy — especially in the Greater Toronto Area — $100,000 doesn’t stretch as far as it once did.

The Bigger Picture

So, what does this year’s Sunshine List really show?

On one hand, it highlights top-heavy salaries in sectors like energy and health care. On the other, it reveals how wage growth and inflation have reshaped what counts as a “sunshine” salary.

As the list continues to expand, the conversation is shifting. It’s no longer just about who earns the most — it’s also about whether the benchmark still makes sense in today’s world.

The post Ontario Sunshine List 2025: Who Made the Most? first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Ontario Audit Exposes Major Weaknesses in Health Oversight

Billing Oversight Under Investigation

Ontario’s government says all questionable OHIP billing cases flagged by Auditor General Shelley Spence are now being reviewed. A spokesperson for Premier Doug Ford’s office confirmed investigations are underway following the release of Spence’s annual report on Tuesday at the Ontario Legislature.

Opposition Leader Marit Stiles argued the issue points to a long-standing lack of government oversight rather than misconduct by physicians. She criticized the province for assigning only eight staff to monitor potential OHIP overbilling, calling the situation “bananas” and warning it reflects a broader trend toward privatization in Ontario’s healthcare system.

Primary Care Access Still Falling Short

Spence’s report found major shortcomings in the province’s approach to connecting residents with family doctors. She concluded the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health do not consistently plan, monitor, or evaluate primary care initiatives.

The Health Care Connect (HCC) system, designed to match people with a family doctor, remains unable to meet demand. As of June 2025, 178,000 Ontarians were waiting for referrals. Of these, 108,000 had waited longer than a year, including 5,000 people with complex health needs. The auditor also noted wide variations in referral wait times: between 2020/21 and April 2025, nearly half of patients were matched in under 21 days, while 15% waited more than 260 days.

Twelve family health teams have withdrawn support for HCC, calling the 2009-era tool “no longer fit for purpose.” The province also has not updated its communications plan for the system since 2015, which may explain why only 235,000 Ontarians—about 11% of those without a family doctor—are registered.

Regional Networks Lack Authority to Coordinate Care

Ontario has directed 58 Primary Care Networks to help organize local primary care services, but Spence reported the province has not given them authority to require providers to participate. As a result, many networks lack accurate information on how many physicians practise in their regions. This gap jeopardizes the government’s Primary Care Action Team goal of achieving 100% primary care attachment by 2029.

Earlier this year, the province announced its $1.8-billion Primary Care Action Plan, which aims to connect every resident to primary care within four years. However, Spence noted the plan lacks clear timelines and measurable performance targets. While government MPP Anthony Leardi said waitlists have been “cut in half or more,” Stiles argued the absence of metrics shows the plan “is not a plan at all.”

Medical School Expansion Not Fully Supported by Analysis

The audit also examined Ontario’s plan to expand medical education by adding 340 undergraduate and 551 postgraduate seats by the 2028/29 academic year, with 60% dedicated to family medicine. Spence found the government did not document analysis to justify the number of seats, the proportion allocated to family medicine, or the decision to establish two new medical schools rather than expand existing programs.

Medical schools have rolled out 89 fewer family medicine seats than planned due to shortages in training sites. Spence warned that the province lacks a framework to measure whether the expanded seats will meaningfully improve access to family doctors. Leardi maintained that physician output is still rising, noting a 30% increase in medical school graduates compared to earlier years.

PPE Inventory Management Still Struggling

Spence also reported persistent weaknesses in Ontario’s management of personal protective equipment. Since 2021, the province has written off more than $1.4 billion in PPE due to expiry and mismanagement. Previous audit recommendations from 2022 and 2023 remain only partially implemented.

Supply Ontario, created in 2023 to centralize procurement, still lacks an integrated inventory system that tracks quantities and costs. The auditor said delays in receiving documents and ongoing reliance on manual tracking continue to complicate oversight. A new third-party logistics contract has been signed, but full system integration is still pending.

Recommendations Accepted, but Concerns Remain

The auditor issued 11 recommendations to improve primary care access and oversight. The government accepted all of them. But opposition leaders say the report confirms chronic under-planning across multiple areas of Ontario’s healthcare system.

The post Ontario Audit Exposes Major Weaknesses in Health Oversight first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Rare Lake Erie Shipwreck Emerges Briefly Near Kingsville

Unusual Conditions Reveal a Hidden Structure

Strong winds sweeping across Lake Erie this week temporarily exposed a rarely seen shipwreck off the Kingsville, Ont., shoreline. The event unfolded Wednesday evening after an Environment Canada wind alert led to unusually low water levels along the lake’s edge.

Local Diver Makes the Unexpected Discovery

Kingsville resident and dive shop owner Matt Vermette spotted the structure during a shoreline walk. What first appeared to be an old dock quickly revealed itself as the remains of a schooner stretching an estimated 22 metres long and sitting about 150 metres from shore.

A Glimpse Into Maritime History

Vermette contacted local historians, who believe the wreck may date back to the late 1800s. Two vessels — The Demming and The Overton — match the approximate size and location described in archival reports. Both were known to have sunk in the Pigeon Bay area more than a century ago.

Why the Area Holds So Many Shipwrecks

Local historian Robert Lynch says the shallow, reef-filled waters of Pigeon Bay have long posed challenges for sailors. High waves combined with sudden depth changes often caused vessels to run aground, contributing to the unusually high concentration of shipwrecks in this part of Lake Erie.

Public Interest Surges After Photos Go Online

Vermette shared images and videos of the exposed wreck on social media, prompting residents to search for the rare sight. Among them was Kingsville local Jennifer Wright, who visited the shoreline Thursday afternoon — only to find the wreck already submerged again as water levels returned to normal.

Brief Window Before Waters Closed In Again

By Thursday morning, the lake had fully covered the structure, making it invisible from the shoreline and nearly impossible to view underwater due to poor visibility from heavy mud. Vermette says the brief exposure provided a rare chance to capture details that divers would rarely be able to see clearly beneath the surface.

The post Rare Lake Erie Shipwreck Emerges Briefly Near Kingsville first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Strong Winds, Cold Shift Sweep Into Southwestern Ontario

Advisories Issued Across the Region

Special weather statements remain in effect across southwestern Ontario as Environment Canada warns of powerful winds arriving mid-week. The alerts were issued Wednesday, covering communities including Windsor, Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia, in response to an approaching system expected to intensify through Thursday.

Wind Gusts Expected to Intensify

Forecasters say wind speeds could reach 70 to 90 km/h between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, posing hazards for local travel and infrastructure. Environment Canada cautioned that utility outages, flying debris, and challenges for high-profile vehicles are possible as gusts strengthen. Residents are urged to monitor weather updates and stay aware of changing conditions.

Shifting Winds and Temperature Drop

Officials in Sarnia-Lambton report that winds will blow from the southwest before shifting westward overnight and turning northwest on Thursday. Daytime and evening temperatures across the region are expected to fall near the freezing mark, creating conditions for a mix of rain, flurries, and light snow as the system progresses.

Shoreline Advisory for Lake Erie

In Windsor-Essex, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has issued a shoreline advisory for Lake Erie, including Pelee Island, effective through Thursday afternoon. While lake levels remain lower than in previous years, ERCA warns of potential shoreline damage, debris movement, and nearshore erosion as wave activity increases.

Conditions Expected to Ease Late Thursday

According to ERCA, the risk of flooding remains low but not negligible, particularly along south Pelee Island where wave impacts may be strongest. Weather officials anticipate that winds and water conditions will gradually weaken by late Thursday, allowing advisories to lift as the system exits the region.

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Winter Storm Watch Issued Across Northwestern Ontario

Alert Covers Widespread Communities

A winter storm watch is now in effect for much of northwestern Ontario, as Environment and Climate Change Canada warns residents of significant snowfall. The advisory, issued Monday morning, affects communities from Thunder Bay to White River, including Atikokan, Marathon, Geraldton, Nipigon, and several rural corridor regions expected to see the heaviest impact.

Storm Timeline and Expected Conditions

The storm system is forecast to arrive Tuesday evening and continue through Thursday, moving west to east across the region. Forecasters expect between 15 and 30 centimetres of snowfall, though some areas north of Lake Superior may see totals exceeding 30 centimetres. Strong northerly winds are expected to intensify conditions, producing blowing snow and sudden drops in visibility.

Communities Along the Impact Path

The watch covers a wide swath of territory, including Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls, Beardmore, Longlac, Marathon, Schreiber, Manitouwadge, Hornepayne, and surrounding rural areas. Environment Canada notes uncertainty over the storm’s exact track, meaning the corridor of heaviest snowfall could shift as the system approaches.

Risks to Travel and Daily Activities

Officials warn that roadways, highways, and walkways may become hazardous as the snow accumulates and winds create whiteout conditions. Drivers and pedestrians could face near-zero visibility at times, raising the risk of road closures and delays. Residents are urged to reconsider travel plans, particularly between Tuesday night and Thursday morning.

Public Safety Measures and Preparedness

Environment Canada advises the public to prepare for rapidly changing conditions by monitoring updates, securing emergency supplies, and allowing extra travel time. With the potential for disruptions across the region, authorities stress the importance of caution as the storm system moves through.

The post Winter Storm Watch Targets Northwestern Ontario first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Ontario’s Bill 60 Sparks Concerns Over Planning Powers

Growing Unease Over Centralized Planning

Ontario’s newly introduced Bill 60 is drawing sharp concern from planning experts and municipal leaders who say the legislation would shift significant decision-making authority from cities to the province. Tabled in late October, the bill—known as the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act—seeks to accelerate homebuilding by giving the housing minister greater control over planning approvals.

What the Proposed Changes Would Mean

Under Bill 60, planning decisions made by the minister would no longer be required to follow Ontario’s provincial land-use planning statement, a document that guides municipalities on housing needs, environmental protection, and long-term growth. Experts warn that bypassing this framework could weaken local planning tools and destabilize land-use expectations across the province.

Where Municipal Authority May Be Diminished

Municipalities worry the legislation would limit their ability to manage development on sensitive lands, employment zones, and publicly owned properties—especially near transit corridors. Critics say approvals could move forward without public consultation, particularly on provincial lands such as areas around GO stations and surplus government sites.

Why Experts Say the Bill Raises Red Flags

Luisa Sotomayor, a planning director at the University of Toronto, cautions that the expansion of ministerial discretion may erode municipalities’ capacity to protect environmentally sensitive zones. Others, including The Atmospheric Fund’s Bryan Purcell, argue the move may undercut investor confidence by eliminating consistent planning rules developers rely on to assess risk.

How the Government Justifies the Overhaul

The Ford government maintains Bill 60 will streamline planning processes, boost housing supply, and create predictable conditions for building. Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack has described the legislation as a tool to “cut delays” and “bring stability” to the market, emphasizing that all ministerial decisions will continue to be made public to ensure transparency.

Impact on Green Development Standards

Alongside Bill 60, the province has already repealed Toronto’s green roof bylaw and is considering further rollbacks to the city’s green development standards. These include requirements for features such as bike parking, permeable pavement, native tree planting, and EV-charging infrastructure. Critics say removing these measures may stall climate-resilient construction practices that Toronto has built over more than a decade.

Industry Concerns About Long-Term Stability

Low-carbon development advocates warn that weakening green standards could slow the transition to net-zero goals and increase climate-related risks such as urban heat and flooding. Developers may also delay projects while waiting for more favourable rules, further complicating the province’s goal of building homes faster.

Next Steps for the Province

Ontario is now conducting online consultations on future standards, including environmental requirements tied to new builds. Urban planners argue that any province-wide changes must account for climate realities and local needs, warning that uniform policies could overlook crucial regional differences.

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