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ARTICLE · 17 JUNE 2025

New Powers, New Questions: Understanding Ontario's Safer Municipalities Act, 2025

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On June 5, 2025, the Ontario government enacted the Safer Municipalities Act, 2025 (Bill 6), equipping municipalities across the province with new legislative tools to manage public safety...

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Jacques Shore
Jacques Shore
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On June 5, 2025, the Ontario government enacted the Safer Municipalities Act, 2025 (Bill 6), equipping municipalities across the province with new legislative tools to manage public safety—while simultaneously prompting important questions about how they will be implemented in practice.

This legislation comprises two key components:

  1. Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2025: This Act prohibits the consumption of illegal substances in public places, including unauthorized dwellings such as tents in parks. Law enforcement officers—which, as defined, include municipal law enforcement officers as well as police officers—are empowered to direct individuals to, among other things, vacate the area or cease consumption. Non-compliance may result in fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months

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