Bill 22, An Act to Broaden the Intervention Powers of Municipalities and to Amend Other Legislative Provisions, introduces a package of reforms aimed at increasing municipal flexibility, strengthening local decision-making, improving transparency, and expanding the authority of municipal governments across Québec. The legislation modifies several key municipal statutes, including the Act respecting land use planning and development, the Cities and Towns Act, the Municipal Code of Québec, and several city charters. Its central objective is to provide municipalities with greater tools to respond to housing needs, manage public assets, administer their organizations, and address neglected properties.

One of the most significant changes concerns municipal authority over land use planning and housing development. Bill 22 expands the scope of municipal building by-laws by allowing councils to regulate additional matters related to building design, construction methods, materials, safety standards, energy efficiency, and protective features. Municipalities will also have greater authority to require repairs or reconstruction of buildings that have been damaged, become dangerous, or significantly declined in value. These expanded powers are intended to give municipalities more control over the quality, safety, and sustainability of their built environments.

The bill also creates a new mechanism allowing municipalities to authorize certain real estate projects that do not fully comply with existing planning by-laws. Under the new provisions, councils may approve projects involving at least three residential units where housing represents the majority of the project’s floor area. This authority is subject to restrictions, including prohibitions on projects located outside urbanization boundaries, areas with public safety or environmental concerns, or zones where residential development is not permitted. Municipalities may attach conditions to approvals, including agreements requiring affordable housing, social housing measures, or housing intended for students.

Bill 22 also introduces changes to municipal property management rules. Municipalities will gain expanded ability to acquire or construct buildings for leasing purposes when the tenants are public bodies, non-profit organizations, or childcare facilities. They will also be permitted to transfer low-value parcels of land to adjacent property owners. At the same time, the legislation increases transparency requirements by requiring municipalities to publish lists of properties leased or transferred under these authorities, including information about the property, transaction value, and recipient. These lists must be updated at least twice annually.

Another major component of the legislation addresses abandoned or tax-delinquent properties. Bill 22 establishes a process allowing municipalities to apply to the Superior Court to be declared owners of certain properties where municipal taxes have remained unpaid for at least three years and the owner cannot be located. The process includes public notice requirements and protections for individuals holding registered rights. Where ownership is transferred to the municipality, affected rights holders may be entitled to compensation.

Quebec (22/2026) July 14, 2026
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