Bill 70, Supporting Mobility, Affordability and Reliable Transportation in Ontario Act, 2025
## Summary
Bill 70 changes two Ontario laws to improve transportation and add affordable housing on some public lands. It directs Metrolinx to help link city bike-share systems with transit, requires a share of affordable homes on housing built on Metrolinx land sales, and sets stricter rules for winter road care and upgrades on key northern highways.
- Metrolinx must promote and help integrate routes, fares, and schedules of municipal bike-share systems with the regional transit network.
- When Metrolinx sells land for housing, at least 20% of the homes built must meet Ontario’s definition of “affordable residential units.”
- Sets clear standards for Highways 11, 17, and 69: bare pavement within 4 hours after snow stops; ice cleared within 3 hours of awareness; large potholes fixed within 4 days of awareness.
- The Minister must publish a plan within 12 months to convert these highways to a “2+1” design (three lanes with a center passing lane that switches direction every 2–5 km), start construction within 1 year of the plan, and finish within 5 years.
- Requires an annual public report on progress, costs, delays, and procurement (contract) details.
## What it means for you
- Transit riders and cyclists
- Bike-share and transit could be easier to use together, with better aligned routes, schedules, and possibly simpler fares or passes.
- First-and-last-mile trips (the short trip to or from a station) may become smoother.
- People looking for housing near transit
- On housing projects built on land that Metrolinx sells for that purpose, at least 20% of units must be “affordable” under the province’s definition. This could create more lower-cost homes near transit.
- Drivers and communities along Highways 11, 17, and 69
- Faster snow and ice clearing and quicker fixes for big potholes aim to make winter driving safer and more reliable.
- A 2+1 highway design should add regular safe passing lanes, which can ease congestion and reduce risky passing.
- Expect road work over several years once the plan starts, which could mean temporary delays and detours.
- Local governments along the routes
- The province must consult local communities when designing the 2+1 plan, so municipalities and residents can give input on safety, access, and timing.
- Road workers and construction companies
- New, time-bound projects and stricter maintenance standards could mean more contract opportunities and more precise performance requirements.
## Expenses
No publicly available information.
- Stricter winter maintenance standards and faster pothole repairs would likely increase provincial operating costs for Highways 11, 17, and 69 (e.g., more crews, equipment, materials).
- Converting long stretches to a 2+1 design would require multi-year capital spending on planning, design, construction, and safety features.
- Annual public reporting and consultations add small administrative costs.
- Requiring at least 20% affordable units on housing built on Metrolinx land sales could affect sale proceeds or project financing, depending on each site and market conditions.
## Proponents' View
- Safety and reliability: Faster snow and ice clearing and structured passing lanes reduce collisions and winter closures, especially on major northern routes.
- Better connections: Linking bike-share with transit makes it easier to leave the car at home for short trips to stations.
- More affordable homes near transit: Reserving 20% of units on these public land projects supports mixed-income communities and helps people live closer to work and school.
- Clear timelines and accountability: A public plan, firm deadlines, and annual progress reports make the highway upgrades more transparent.
- Efficient passing without full twinning: A 2+1 design can deliver safety gains at lower cost than building full four-lane highways.
## Opponents' View
- Cost and deliverability: Meeting strict winter standards in heavy storms may be expensive and difficult, especially over long rural distances.
- Tight timelines: Starting within a year and finishing in five may be unrealistic, leading to rushed work, higher costs, or fewer bidders.
- Construction disruptions: Multi-year upgrades could bring frequent lane closures and delays for residents and freight.
- Housing trade-offs: A 20% affordability requirement on Metrolinx land sales may complicate financing, reduce sale proceeds, or limit overall housing built on those sites.
- Limited reach of bike-share: Outside larger cities, few areas have bike-share systems, so benefits may be uneven and coordination could be complex.