The heat is on but the AC isn’t — yet
311 Toronto explains landlords are not obligated to turn on air conditioning until June 2
Monday was the hottest day of the year so far, and some Torontonians are complaining property owners aren’t turning on the air conditioning.
A Toronto Twitter user tweeted at 311 Toronto asking if something could be done about turning the AC on in their apartment, as temperatures neared 30 C. 311 Toronto tweeted back, saying that “Air Conditioning should go on, if provided/supplied by the property owner, from June 2 to Sept. 14 to maintain an indoor temperature of not more than 26 Celsius. Municipal Licensing & Standards is unable to take any action outside of these dates.”
This is directly taken from the city’s bylaws about heat and air conditioning in residential properties.
Temperatures reached up to 31C on Monday, with a humidex of 36. The heat is expected to continue until midweek, with Tuesday reaching a high of 26C, and Wednesday at 28C.
311 Toronto said that bylaws cannot be changed by city staff.
This issue needs to be brought up with city councillors. If the issue was big enough, it would have to be debated and voted on by council.
Several people have been tweeting about this issue, given that the heat is supposed to remain for at least two days.
The Weather Network and Environment Canada have issued a Special Weather Statement, telling people to drink plenty of cool liquids, dress for the weather and spend a few hours each day in a cool place.
Toronto Public Health also issued a news release last week, sharing tips on how to keep cool and enjoy the outdoors safely during the hot weather.
The release also includes information on heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and how the heat can worsen preexisting conditions, such as chronic cardiovascular and respiratory disorders.