ON announces Western student residences development to benefit from Bill 185

The Government of Ontario recently announced that the development of two new student residence buildings at Western University will benefit from the exemptions provided by Bill 185, reports CTV News. ON stated that the residence development will be expedited under Bill 185, which exempts these developments from planning-related laws. “While Western continues to consult with neighbours and our municipal partners, Bill-185 ensures that these projects can proceed without procedural delays,” said Western VP of Operations and Finance Lynn Logan. CBC reports that Western will open the residences by September 2026, as originally planned.