Anushen Selvasegar is one of many residents living in Toronto’s densely populated St. James Town who are struggling to stay cool during extreme heat waves. Due to a policy in social housing highrises, windows only open 10 centimetres wide, limiting air flow and relief from the scorching temperatures. Despite efforts to keep cool by using an ice box and keeping the stove off, options are limited for low-income families like Selvasegar’s. The punishing heat wave in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada has prompted a coalition of tenant and environmental advocacy organizations to demand a maximum temperature bylaw in Toronto to ensure residences do not exceed 26 degrees during extreme heat.
Advocates believe that implementing a bylaw setting a maximum temperature for all residential units in Toronto would be the first of its kind in Canada. This would require all building owners to provide and maintain cooling systems to keep residents safe during heat waves. Toronto City Council directed city staff to study maximum temperature requirements, with a report expected by the end of the year. Councilor Shelley Carroll emphasized the importance of addressing the growing issue of extreme heat in the city, stating that the do-nothing approach is no longer feasible.
The situation in Toronto has been described as dire and incredibly challenging by a spokesperson for Mayor Olivia Chow. Other cities, such as Hamilton, are also considering similar bylaws to address extreme heat in residential buildings. While some concerns have been raised about potential rent hikes and costs associated with retrofitting buildings to provide cooling, advocates argue that urgent action is needed to address the public health crisis caused by extreme heat. The 2021 British Columbia heat wave serves as a reminder of the dangers of inadequate cooling systems, with many vulnerable individuals succumbing to the extreme temperatures.
Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme heat events in Toronto, with the number of days above 30 degrees rising significantly in recent decades. If emissions continue to rise, the frequency of extreme heat days is projected to increase even further in the coming years. Landlord groups are concerned about the potential costs associated with supplying and maintaining air conditioning units, which may lead to rent increases for tenants. Advocates suggest implementing stronger rent control policies and funding support from federal and provincial governments to mitigate costs and protect tenants from financial strain.
The coalition proposing the maximum heat bylaw suggests giving landlords a year to comply with the new regulations, similar to the timeline given to long-term care homes to install air conditioning in all resident rooms. The focus is on public health interventions that can save lives and protect renters from serious health risks associated with extreme heat. As the impacts of climate change become more severe, the need for measures to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat is becoming increasingly urgent. By implementing a maximum temperature bylaw, Toronto hopes to mitigate the health risks posed by rising temperatures and provide relief to residents living in buildings without adequate cooling systems.
