Rent Control Measure on Hold in Canada
Rent Control Measure on Hold in Canada
The motion is tabled for now as lawmakers gather information.
The Cambridge (Ontario, Canada) City Council is stepping on the brake pedal with its latest rent control measure. A debate was scheduled for early September, but Councilor Adam Cooper—who initially introduced the motion—pulled it, leaving it off the agenda.
“Sometimes, when new information comes to light, the smart move is to adjust your course and head in a new direction to make any proposal as effective as possible," he told The Waterloo Region Record.
Cooper made the decision after speaking with housing advocates in the area, aiming for more balance and collaboration between housing providers and residents.
The motion was looking to bring rent control back to the province, covering all rental units. Rent control was removed on new units in 2018. A revised measure may be brought forth by the end of the month, said Cooper.
Deeper Dive
Rather than improving the availability of much-needed housing, rent control laws worsen shortages, cause existing buildings to deteriorate and disproportionately benefit higher-income households.
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