November 2026 brings several changes that Ontario residents should prepare for, from new electricity prices to updated school volunteer screening requirements and property-related deadlines. Some changes take effect on November 1, while others apply later in the month, giving residents only a short window to complete certain tasks.
For homeowners, drivers, parents involved in school councils and people struggling with utility bills, knowing the dates in advance can help prevent unnecessary costs and missed deadlines. The changes also vary by location, so a rule that applies in Toronto or northwestern Ontario may not affect someone living elsewhere in the province.
Here is a practical breakdown of eight major Ontario laws, rules and policy changes expected in November 2026, including what they mean for residents and which official sources to check.
1. Ontario Electricity Prices Change on November 1
Ontario households will see new regulated electricity prices starting November 1, 2026. The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has announced lower per-kilowatt-hour rates for customers on the Regulated Price Plan (RPP), but the Ontario Electricity Rebate will also decrease. As a result, the effect on an individual household’s total bill will depend on how much electricity it uses and which pricing plan it follows.
The new winter Time-of-Use (TOU) schedule also begins on November 1. Under this plan, electricity costs more during weekday peak periods and less during off-peak hours, including weekends and holidays. Households that can move laundry, dishwashing and other energy-intensive activities to cheaper periods may be able to manage their costs more effectively.
New Ontario electricity rates for winter 2026
| Time-of-Use period | New rate from November 1 |
|---|---|
| Off-peak | 9.1 cents/kWh |
| Mid-peak | 14.6 cents/kWh |
| On-peak | 18.9 cents/kWh |
The weekday on-peak periods will be 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mid-peak hours will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., while off-peak prices apply from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and throughout weekends and holidays. Customers on tiered or Ultra-Low Overnight plans have different pricing structures.
The Ontario Electricity Rebate will also change from 23.5% to 15.7%. The OEB estimates that a typical household using 700 kWh per month will receive a rebate worth approximately $23 per month under the new arrangement, compared with $36 under the previous structure. This does not automatically mean every household’s total bill will rise or fall by the same amount, because electricity rates and usage also affect the final bill.
What residents should do: Check your current electricity plan and compare your actual usage against the new winter rates. The OEB’s online bill calculator can help you assess whether Time-of-Use, tiered or Ultra-Low Overnight pricing better fits your household’s routine.
2. Daylight Saving Time Changes on November 1 — But Not Everywhere
Most Ontario residents will turn their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, marking the end of daylight saving time for the season. However, parts of northwestern Ontario are set to follow a different arrangement, making this year’s change particularly important for people who travel or work across the region.
On October 13, 2026, the Ontario government announced its intention to keep daylight saving time in place year-round in Kenora and affected communities west of the 90th meridian. The proposed change is intended to maintain alignment with neighbouring Manitoba and reduce disruptions for businesses, families and Indigenous communities.
The arrangement is regional rather than province-wide. Communities in eastern Ontario, including Thunder Bay, are expected to continue changing their clocks under the existing seasonal system. Residents should therefore avoid assuming that every Ontario community will follow the same schedule.
For people living in affected northwestern communities, the difference can matter when booking medical appointments, arranging transportation, attending school or coordinating work meetings with people elsewhere in Ontario.
What residents should do: Confirm the time arrangement for your specific community and check any appointments or travel plans scheduled around November 1. Employers and service providers should also communicate the correct local time to avoid confusion.
3. Ontario Land Registration Fees Increase on November 2
People buying property, arranging a real estate closing or requesting land registration records may face higher fees starting November 2, 2026. Ontario is adjusting certain land registration service charges under its annual fee adjustment process, with the new Schedule I fees reflecting increases of approximately 1.4% to 1.68%. The changes replace the previous applicable fee schedule, while Schedule II and Schedule III fees are not increasing this year.
These charges can arise during property transactions and when people need official records about land ownership. Even a relatively small increase can affect the final administrative costs of a transaction, particularly when several registration services are required.
For example, the published schedule lists a total fee of $37.10 for obtaining a parcel register copy, while registering an instrument or plan electronically under the Land Titles Act will cost $86.42, including applicable charges. Anyone planning a transaction in early November should ask their lawyer or real estate professional to confirm the applicable fees and include them in the closing-cost estimate.
What residents should do: If your real estate closing is scheduled for November 2 or later, confirm the updated charges before finalizing your budget. Do not assume that every land registration service has increased, because the adjustment applies to specified fees rather than all schedules.
4. Winter Overnight Parking Restrictions Begin in Some Ontario Cities
Drivers in several Ontario municipalities will need to pay closer attention to overnight street parking as seasonal restrictions begin. These rules help municipalities clear snow and maintain roads during winter weather, but the exact dates, permitted hours and exemptions differ from one city to another.
In Ottawa, winter overnight parking restrictions are scheduled to take effect on November 15, 2026, and continue through April 1. During declared restriction nights, vehicles cannot remain parked on streets between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. London, Ontario, is also scheduled to begin its winter restrictions on November 15, with the season running through March 31, 2027.
Other communities, including Barrie, Guelph and Kingston, have their own seasonal parking rules. Some municipalities activate restrictions in response to snow forecasts, while others enforce restrictions during designated periods regardless of the weather. Vehicles left on the street in violation of an active ban may receive a ticket or be towed at the owner’s expense.
Drivers should also check whether their city offers overnight parking permits or temporary exemptions. The availability and conditions of these options are local matters, so information from another municipality may not apply to your street.
What residents should do: Check your municipal website before the first expected snowfall and sign up for local parking alerts if they are available. If your household relies on street parking, identify an alternative parking location before restrictions begin rather than waiting until a winter storm is forecast.
5. Winter Protection Against Electricity and Natural Gas Disconnections Starts November 15
Ontario’s winter utility disconnection protection period begins on November 15, 2026, and runs until April 30, 2027. During this period, electricity and natural gas distributors regulated by the Ontario Energy Board cannot disconnect residential customers for non-payment. The protection is particularly relevant as heating needs increase during the colder months.
The rules also provide for reconnection by December 1 for residential customers who were disconnected for non-payment before November 15. Electricity distributors are additionally restricted from installing load-control devices during the winter protection period. However, the rules do not cover every possible utility arrangement, and certain multi-unit buildings serviced by unit sub-metering providers fall outside the OEB’s mandatory protection requirements.
One detail residents should not overlook is that the winter disconnection ban does not cancel unpaid bills. Outstanding balances can continue to accumulate, and late-payment interest may still apply. Waiting until spring to address a growing balance can therefore leave a household with a more difficult financial situation when the protection period ends.
What residents should do: If you are behind on electricity or gas payments, contact your utility provider to discuss a payment arrangement. You can also investigate the Ontario Electricity Support Program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program to see whether you qualify for assistance. It is better to arrange support early than to rely solely on the seasonal disconnection protection.
6. New Police Record-Check Requirements Apply to School Council Members
Parents who participate in Ontario school councils or parent involvement committees should review their school board’s screening requirements before November 1, 2026. Ontario Regulation 309/26 extends police record-check requirements to these committee members, including people who have not previously had a check collected by their school board. The regulation was filed on September 11, 2026.
The requirement forms part of a wider framework governing police record checks for school board personnel and volunteers. The type of check required depends on the role and whether the individual occupies a position of trust or authority in relation to students. Where a volunteer’s responsibilities fall under both standard and vulnerable-sector screening categories, a Vulnerable Sector Check may be required instead of separate checks for each role.
Under the updated framework described in the regulation, police record checks are valid for five years, and volunteers must renew them before expiry. Although volunteers may be eligible for free criminal record checks under the Police Record Checks Reform Act, fees and procedures can differ depending on the type of check and the police service involved.
What parents should do: Contact your school office or school board as soon as possible if you serve on a school council or parent involvement committee. Ask which check is required for your specific role, whether the board already has a valid record on file and what documents you must provide. Confirm any applicable fee before submitting an application.
7. Toronto’s Vacant Home Tax Declarations and Payment Deadlines
Toronto property owners should prepare for two separate Vacant Home Tax matters in November: the expected opening of the declaration portal for the 2026 taxation year and a payment deadline for certain owners who received a 2025 tax assessment.
The declaration portal for the 2026 taxation year is expected to open in November, but the exact opening date had not been confirmed as of October 24, 2026. Property owners should monitor the City of Toronto’s official announcements rather than assume that the previous year’s opening date or deadline will automatically apply to the new declaration cycle.
Separately, the final instalment for the 2025 Vacant Home Tax assessment is due on November 16, 2026. The tax rate for the 2025 taxation year is 3% of the property’s Current Value Assessment. For example, a property with a Current Value Assessment of $1 million would have a Vacant Home Tax amount of $30,000 if the full rate applies.
Failing to submit a required declaration can have serious financial consequences because the property may be deemed vacant under the applicable rules. False declarations can also lead to penalties, in addition to the tax that is owed. Owners who have received an assessment should review the City’s instructions carefully, including the distinction between paying the tax and challenging an assessment.
What property owners should do: Check whether you have an outstanding 2025 Vacant Home Tax assessment and arrange payment before the November 16 deadline if it applies to you. Keep records that support your property’s occupancy status, and follow the City’s official instructions for the 2026 declaration once the portal opens. Do not treat the declaration deadline and the payment deadline as interchangeable.
8. Toronto Property Tax and Utility Relief Applications Close November 2
Eligible Toronto homeowners may have access to programs that help reduce property tax and utility costs, but the application deadline for the 2026 tax year is approaching quickly. The City of Toronto has set Monday, November 2, 2026, as the deadline for its property tax, water and solid waste relief programs.
The available programs include the Property Tax Increase Cancellation Program, the Property Tax Increase Deferral Program, the Water Rebate Program and the Solid Waste Rebate Program. These programs are intended to assist eligible residents, including low-income seniors and low-income people living with disabilities, although eligibility criteria vary by program.
Applicants may need to meet requirements relating to age, household income, property ownership and occupancy. Eligible applicants generally must have owned and occupied the property as their principal residence for at least one year before October 31, 2026, and certain tax or utility account balances must be paid. Applicants should check the specific requirements for the program they want to use.
The relief is not necessarily automatic, even for people who received assistance in a previous year. The City requires eligible applicants to reapply annually and provide the required supporting documentation. Missing the deadline could mean losing access to relief for the 2026 tax year.
What residents should do: Review the eligibility criteria on the City of Toronto’s official website and submit your application before November 2 if you qualify. If you are unsure whether you meet the income or property requirements, check with the City before assuming you are ineligible.
Ontario Changes in November 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
The following table summarizes the main dates and the residents most likely to be affected. Some are province-wide changes, while others apply only in particular cities or regions.
| Date | Change or deadline | Who should pay attention? |
|---|---|---|
| November 1 | New regulated winter electricity rates and Ontario Electricity Rebate | Ontario RPP electricity customers |
| November 1 | Seasonal clock change in most of Ontario | Residents outside the affected northwestern communities |
| November 1 | New school council and parent committee screening requirements | Relevant school council and parent involvement committee members |
| November 2 | Land registration fee changes | Property buyers and people requesting land registration services |
| November 2 | Toronto property tax and utility relief application deadline | Eligible Toronto residents |
| Early November | Expected opening of Toronto’s 2026 Vacant Home Tax declaration portal | Toronto property owners |
| November 15 | Winter utility disconnection protection begins | Eligible residential electricity and gas customers |
| November 15 onward | Seasonal overnight parking restrictions in some cities | Drivers in municipalities with active restrictions |
| November 16 | Final instalment deadline for applicable 2025 Vacant Home Tax assessments | Toronto property owners who owe the tax |
Dates and requirements should be confirmed directly with the relevant authority, particularly where municipal rules and individual eligibility requirements apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several changes are scheduled for November, including new regulated electricity prices, updated school council police record-check requirements, higher fees for certain land registration services and winter utility disconnection protections. Toronto residents also face property tax and Vacant Home Tax deadlines, while drivers in some municipalities must prepare for seasonal overnight parking restrictions.
The regulated electricity rates are decreasing on November 1, but the Ontario Electricity Rebate is also falling from 23.5% to 15.7%. Your final bill will depend on your electricity consumption, pricing plan and applicable charges. Comparing your household’s usage with the new rates is the best way to estimate the effect.
For residential customers covered by the Ontario Energy Board’s rules, electricity and natural gas distributors cannot disconnect service for non-payment from November 15, 2026, through April 30, 2027. The ban does not erase outstanding debt or necessarily cover every sub-metered building. Customers who are struggling to pay should contact their provider about payment arrangements and available assistance.
The application deadline for Toronto’s 2026 property tax, water and solid waste relief programs is November 2, 2026. Eligible applicants should review the City’s age, income, ownership and occupancy requirements and submit the required information before the deadline. Previous recipients generally need to reapply each year.
No. Most Ontario communities are expected to turn their clocks back one hour on November 1. However, the province announced a planned move to permanent daylight saving time in affected communities in northwestern Ontario west of the 90th meridian, including Kenora. Residents should confirm the time arrangement for their specific community.
What Ontario Residents Should Do Before November
The most useful step is to focus on the changes that directly affect your household instead of treating every announcement as a province-wide rule. Electricity customers should review their pricing plan, school committee members should confirm their screening requirements, and Toronto homeowners should prioritize applications and payments with early-November deadlines.
Drivers should check their municipality’s winter parking schedule, while anyone behind on utility payments should contact their provider before the winter protection period starts. Keeping copies of payment confirmations, application receipts and relevant property records can also make it easier to resolve questions later.
Not every change will affect every resident, and some requirements depend on local bylaws or individual eligibility. Checking the relevant official source before acting is the safest way to avoid relying on outdated dates or information intended for another municipality.
Fact Check: This article is based on Ontario Energy Board electricity rate information, Ontario government announcements and City of Toronto program information available as of October 24, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or professional advice. Rules, deadlines and eligibility requirements may change; verify the latest details with the relevant Ontario government department, municipality or official regulator.
