Big Changes Coming to Ontario in August 2025: What You Need to Know
Ontario is rolling out a wave of new laws starting August 1, 2025, that will impact everything from alcohol prices to tenant protections in Toronto. These measures, part of the 2025 Ontario Budget A Plan to Protect Ontario, aim to support local businesses, lower costs for consumers, and safeguard vulnerable renters across the province.
Let’s dive into what’s changing and how it could affect you.
Craft Alcohol Gets a Major Tax Break
Ontario’s locally made alcohol products are about to become more affordable. Key highlights:
- Spirits Tax Slashed by 50%: Taxes on spirits sold at Ontario distillery retail stores will drop from 61.5% to 30.75%, making products like Ontario-made whisky and gin significantly cheaper.
- Beer Tax Cut for Microbrewers: Small breweries will see a tax cut of over 50% on both draft and bottled beer. A typical 6-pack could cost 40–50 cents less.
- Cider and Ready-to-Drink Drinks Get Cheaper: The LCBO is lowering markup rates, meaning lower prices on local ciders, vodka coolers, and wine spritzers.
What it means: A boost for Ontario’s $13B alcohol industry, more competitive pricing, and savings passed on to the consumer.
Toronto Introduces Strict Anti-Renoviction Law
Starting July 31, 2025, Toronto’s new Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw will protect tenants from unfair evictions under the guise of renovations. Here’s how it works:
- License Before Eviction: Landlords must now obtain a permit before asking tenants to leave for renovations (N13 notice).
- Mandatory 120-Day Notice and the right to return at the same rent once the unit is ready.
- Penalties Up to $100,000 for landlords who fail to comply.
- Inspired by Hamilton’s 2024 model and aimed at protecting long-term and low-income renters from displacement.
More Laws You Should Know About
- Gig Workers’ Rights (July 2025): Ontario now guarantees minimum wage protections for digital platform workers (Uber, DoorDash, etc.) and regular pay schedules.
- Fertility Tax Credit (2025): A new 25% refundable tax credit on fertility treatment costs, up to $5,000 per year.
- Pre-Budget Consultations: Open until August 28, 2025, the province is welcoming public input for next year’s federal budget.
Why It Matters
This new wave of legislation is more than just regulatory housekeeping. It represents Ontario’s strategic shift toward:
- Empowering small businesses and local producers
- Modernizing worker protections
- Supporting family planning and housing affordability
- Protecting renters in a tough real estate market
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