As October rolls in, Ontario is introducing some new rules and key dates that will impact workers, renters, and voters in Toronto.
The updates include a rise in the minimum wage, a heating standard for rental properties in Toronto, and details about the 2026 municipal election schedule.
Election day is scheduled for Monday, October 26. Voting hours on that day will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM. The advance voting period runs from Tuesday, October 6 through Sunday, October 11 with voting times between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM each day during this period. Voters have until Sunday, October 11 at 7:00 PM to register or update their information online. After this deadline, changes can only be made at polling stations. For those voting by mail, completed ballot packages must arrive at Toronto Elections by noon on Wednesday, October 14. Yellow drop boxes will be available in every electoral district from October 1 through noon on October 14. This month’s calendar includes vital topics that affect employees across Ontario, renters within Toronto, and voters engaged in the upcoming municipal election.
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Ontario’s minimum wage hike
The general minimum wage in Ontario will go up from $17.60 to $17.95 starting on October 1, 2026. This change means an increase of 35 cents per hour. For someone working 40 hours a week at this rate, they can expect an extra $14 before taxes each week, totaling around $728 more annually. The student minimum wage will also see an increase on the same date. For students under 18 who work up to 28 hours per week during school terms, the hourly pay will rise from $16.60 to $16.90. This minimum wage adjustment is part of an annual review linked to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index. The new rates will be effective from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.Heating standards start again in Toronto
Toronto will also reinstate its heating standard for rental housing this October. According to city regulations, landlords and property managers must keep rental units at a minimum indoor temperature of 21°C from October 1 until May 15. The City of Toronto notes that some buildings may already reach this temperature due to outside weather conditions during fall and spring. In such cases, landlords can lower or turn off heat as long as it stays above 21°C indoors. If tenants face heating issues, they should first contact their landlord or property management. If nothing changes, they can file a report with the municipality by calling 311.Municipal election timeline for Toronto
Key dates related to the municipal election in Toronto are also set for October.Election day is scheduled for Monday, October 26. Voting hours on that day will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM. The advance voting period runs from Tuesday, October 6 through Sunday, October 11 with voting times between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM each day during this period. Voters have until Sunday, October 11 at 7:00 PM to register or update their information online. After this deadline, changes can only be made at polling stations. For those voting by mail, completed ballot packages must arrive at Toronto Elections by noon on Wednesday, October 14. Yellow drop boxes will be available in every electoral district from October 1 through noon on October 14. This month’s calendar includes vital topics that affect employees across Ontario, renters within Toronto, and voters engaged in the upcoming municipal election.
Sources
https://www. ontario. ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/minimum-wage https://www. toronto. ca/city-government/elections/key-dates/ https://www. toronto. ca/community-people/housing-shelter/rental-housing-rights-information/housing-property-standards/indoor-temperatures-in-apartment-units/ https://www. blogto. com/city/2026/09/new-laws-rules-coming-ontario-october/Source link
