CEO’s message: Looking ahead to a pivotal fall
As the summer season draws to a close, our focus at FRPO shifts to what we expect will be a busy fall. While the summer often provides a moment for pause and reflection, the underlying challenges of housing affordability and supply remain at the forefront of our agenda. With the return of both the federal Parliament on September 15 and the Ontario Legislature on October 20, we are gearing up for a pivotal fall session, ready to continue our vital advocacy work with governments at all levels.
Our message remains clear and consistent: the only sustainable solution to the housing crisis facing Ontarians and Canadians is to build more supply of all housing types, with a particular emphasis on purpose-built rentals. This is the message we continue to advance in every forum and opportunity.
This month, I was pleased to speak at RESCON's 5th Annual Housing Supply Summit on September 24, an event FRPO was proud to sponsor. This summit was a critical platform for dialogue, and I was pleased to share the stage with key industry leaders and policymakers, including Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack. It was also encouraging to see our members, such as Tricon and Fitzrovia, participating and adding their important voices to the conversation. Together, we reinforced the need for collaborative solutions and a supportive policy environment to get more rental housing built.
Our advocacy extends beyond direct government engagement and into the public conversation. Over the summer, we continued to shape the narrative through key media opportunities. I was pleased to share FRPO’s perspective in recent articles with the Toronto Sun, discussing Toronto's evolving rental housing landscape, and with Storeys, where we addressed the city’s new renoviction bylaw. In both instances, we emphasized that creating a policy framework that encourages, rather than hinders, the creation of new purpose-built rental supply is the most effective path toward improving housing affordability and stability for all.
As we move into this busy fall, please know that your voice and membership are the foundation of our efforts. We will continue to champion our industry, advocate for sensible policy, and work tirelessly to ensure the rental housing sector is recognized as a vital partner in building a prosperous future for Ontario.
Thank you for your continued support.
Tony Irwin, President and CEO, FRPO
LBO campaign update
As we enter the fall season, the Let’s Build Ontario campaign remains as focused as ever on our primary goal: ensuring a healthy and sustainable rental housing market for all Ontarians. This season often brings a renewed sense of purpose, and for us it’s a time to redouble our efforts in advocating for the policies that will support the creation of more purpose-built rental homes across the province.
The strength of the Let’s Build Ontario campaign— and sector—has always been rooted in the authentic experiences of members. Member stories have proven to be a powerful tool to illustrate the vital role our sector plays, and we continue to see increasing levels of member engagement with this initiative. As we continue to engage with policymakers and the public, we are once again calling on members to share their stories . Submit a resident initiative that you’re proud to spotlight to be featured in Member Story Mondays! Big or small, your stories help humanize our industry and showcase the deep commitment of our members.
To help us amplify the campaign, we’re continuing to encourage members to link to the Let’s Build Ontario campaign website from their own corporate sites. This simple action significantly boosts our campaign’s reach through search engine optimization, helping us connect with new audiences, grow our supporter base, and strengthen our collective voice in the digital sphere.
Recent reports of rents starting to stabilize in certain Ontario municipalities are welcome, and while this may offer some short-term relief, it does not change the fundamental challenge of housing affordability. The only way to ensure long-term stability and predictability for renters is to address the supply shortage head-on. As we move into the fall, campaign messaging will continue to focus on long-term solutions that promote and accelerate the development of new purpose-built rental housing.
There is also important work to be done in reframing the narrative around renting and the campaign looks to play an important role in shifting the way people think about it. Too often, renting is seen as just a temporary step before buying a house. But for many Ontarians, renting is a practical and smart long-term housing choice. Renting gives you flexibility and freedom from the costs and responsibilities of owning a home. It should be respected as a good housing option, not viewed as a compromise.
As we move into fall, the Let’s Build Ontario campaign will continue to play an important role in advocating for purpose-built rental housing supply and pushing all levels of government to ensure that the creation of new rental homes remains a top priority. Together, we can build a stronger and more affordable Ontario for everyone.
From best practice to regulation: How certification protects rental housing providers
This year, the City of Toronto approved a new colour-coded system under its RentSafeTO program, grading apartment buildings on their state of repair and management. Beginning in 2026, signs will be posted at building entrances: green for good repair, yellow for minor infractions, and red for serious health or safety violations. For housing providers, this is a reminder that transparency and accountability are no longer optional. Regulations are becoming more visible, more frequent, and more demanding. Certification programs such as the Canadian Certified Rental Building™ (CRB) Program help owners and managers stay ahead of these changes while delivering tangible business value.
Certification as risk management
CRB standards already align with many RentSafeTO requirements: fire safety, preventive maintenance, resident communication, and environmental management. Certified properties are subject to regular audits, ensuring these practices are consistently applied.
This proactive approach reduces:
• Legal risk from code or bylaw violations
• Reputational risk from public non-compliance scores
• Operational risk from costly service failures
When best practice becomes law
What begins as voluntary often becomes mandatory. Energy benchmarking, climate disclosures, and now public building grading all started as “best practices.” Certification helps providers anticipate these shifts by embedding accountability, sustainability, and service standards before regulations demand them.
Business value beyond compliance
Getting ahead of regulation isn’t only about avoiding penalties—it creates measurable value:
• Lower operating costs through energy and water efficiency
• Climate resilience that protects long-term asset performance
• Investor confidence with third-party verified ESG practices
Future-proofing portfolios
As public transparency increases, housing providers can’t afford to wait until regulations catch up. Certification ensures portfolios are managed at a level that exceeds minimum expectations, building trust with residents, assurance for investors, and stability for owners. By committing to certification, providers demonstrate that they are not reacting to regulation but leading the way. In an industry where today’s best practices are tomorrow’s legal requirements, certification is more than compliance—it’s a strategy for resilience and longterm success.
RentSafeTO at a glance
What it is: Toronto’s apartment building standards program for buildings with 3+ storeys and 10+ units
How it works: Owners register annually; City staff audit every 2 years
What’s changing:
Starting 2026, colour-coded signs at entrances:
• Green – Good repair
• Yellow – Minor issues
• Red – Serious violations
Heavier penalties and faster enforcement for highrisk or repeat offenders
Why it matters: Public grades increase reputational risk for poorly managed buildings
How CRB helps:
• Standards already align with RentSafeTO requirements.
• Regular audits keep properties prepared and compliant.
• Certification future-proofs members as voluntary practices evolve into regulations.
Past events
FRPO Fall Social & Anniversary Party
September 18, 2025
Last month, we came together with members, partners, and friends to celebrate 40 years of FRPO. This event was a moment to reflect on four decades of leadership—from advocating for fair policies to becoming the trusted voice for Ontario’s rental housing industry. FRPO has united members, driven meaningful change, and supported the growth of a strong rental housing sector. Our 40th anniversary celebrates the past and the important role we continue to play in shaping the future. Thank you to our sponsors, Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. and The Home Depot Canada and to everyone who joined us. Here’s to the next 40 years of building strong, sustainable rental housing in Ontario!
Future events
FRPO MAC Awards
December 4, 2025 | 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Save the date! For more than two decades, the MAC Awards has celebrated the leaders of Ontario’s rental housing industry, recognizing their unwavering dedication to providing top-notch rental accommodations. With their passionate teams and forward-thinking approaches, MAC Award winners transform their latest project endeavours and innovative ideas into reality. Award submission portal is NOW OPEN.
Ontario’s leading advocate for strong and stable rental housing.
FRPO is the largest association in Ontario representing those who own, manage, build and finance residential rental properties.
For membership inquiries please contact Lynzi Michal, Director, Membership & Marketing
Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario
801-67 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1J8
416-309-8744
lmichal@frpo.org www.frpo.org