Several Durham Ontario law changes will affect local drivers, renters, landlords and post-secondary students over the coming weeks, with major changes taking effect between Aug. 31 and Sept. 30.
One of the most visible changes will be on Durham’s highways, where Ontario is expanding the number of freeway sections with a posted maximum speed of 110 km/h.
New tenancy regulations are also coming into force, while changes to Ontario’s student assistance program will affect students starting new academic programs this fall.
Highway 401 Speed Limit Rises Aug. 31
Starting Aug. 31, the posted speed limit on Highway 401 will increase from 100 km/h to 110 km/h from Highway 404 east to Highway 35/115.
That section passes through much of Durham Region, including Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington.
Ontario says speed limits are increased only after technical reviews determine the highway can safely accommodate the higher posted speed.
Drivers should remember that 150 km/h or more remains stunt driving, even on a highway where the posted limit is 110 km/h.
Highway 407, 412 and 418 Change Sept. 30
A second round of changes arrives Sept. 30.
The province will raise the posted limit to 110 km/h on Highway 407 from Brock Road to Highway 35/115.
Highway 412 between Highway 401 and Highway 407 and Highway 418 between those same highways will also move to 110 km/h.
Those changes give Durham Region one of the most concentrated local impacts from Ontario’s broader expansion of 110 km/h highway limits.
New Rules for Durham Renters and Landlords
Several amendments to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act take effect Sept. 21 and apply to renters and landlords throughout Durham.
For non-payment of rent, landlords will be able to issue an N4 notice with a termination date no earlier than seven days after the notice is given, shortening the previous timeline.
Another change affects certain landlord-own-use evictions. If qualifying notice is provided at least 120 days before termination, landlords will no longer be required in those circumstances to provide one month’s compensation or offer another rental unit.
Renovation-related rules are also changing.
If a tenant has properly indicated that they intend to return after renovations, landlords must provide written estimates of when the unit will be ready, updates if that date changes and notice when the work is complete. Tenants must then have at least 60 days to exercise their right to return.
OSAP Changes Affect Students This Fall
Students at institutions including Durham College and Ontario Tech University may also notice changes to provincial financial assistance.
For programs beginning on or after Aug. 1, 2026, Ontario has changed the provincial portion of OSAP so more assistance is delivered as repayable loans rather than grants.
Students applying for assistance should check their individual OSAP assessment, since funding varies based on personal and financial circumstances.
With highway, housing and education rules all changing within several weeks, the latest Durham Ontario law changes could affect a wide range of residents heading into fall 2026.
