3-tab asphalt shingles. Installed costs in Ontario run $5,000 to $9,000 for a standard 2,000 sq ft home. They carry a 15 to 20 year lifespan and are widely available from major Ontario suppliers.
They’re the most affordable upfront but the cost-per-year story is less flattering. Architectural shingles cost roughly $1,000 to $2,000 more installed but last 10 or more years longer with better wind and impact resistance. For homeowners staying in the property long-term the step up almost always makes sense. 3-tab is the right call when budget is the hard constraint or when the home is being sold within the next decade.
The cheapest way to repair a roof is still less expensive than any full replacement when damage is isolated. But when repairs become recurring the math shifts. The best roof for the money over a 20 to 30 year horizon is architectural asphalt, not 3-tab, because the cost-per-year-of-life pencils out better. For full project pricing see how much it costs to replace a 2,000 sq ft roof in Ontario.