2025.IE21.10

Background

“Toronto is increasingly experiencing the effects of climate change, including more frequent, prolonged and extreme heat events. Excessive indoor temperatures are a significant concern for many, including residents in multi-unit residential buildings without air conditioning, with the potential for a significant impact on seniors and individuals with health conditions (e.g. chronic heat and lung conditions, asthma, cancer).”

Source: City of Toronto

Item Description

Implementation of a “pilot program, ahead of Summer 2025, aimed at expanding access to air conditioning for low-income seniors living in multi-unit residential buildings in Toronto”. The pilot program will focus on those with self-identified medical problems associated with extreme heat to provide portable air-conditioners. The plan will include “a. [developing] program eligibility criteria; b. collection of personal information for the purpose of determining eligibility; c. administration of air conditioner benefits; d. evaluation framework; and e. [a] geographic equity component”. The project is aimed to provide a simple ‘one-window’ application process to make it simple for eligible applicants to receive air conditioning.

Source: City of Toronto

Proposed by

Infrastructure and Environment Committee