As the climate crisis intensifies, municipalities across Canada are increasingly recognising the urgent need to address extreme heat in residential areas. New Westminster, British Columbia, has taken a significant step by introducing a bylaw that establishes a maximum indoor temperature for rental units, aiming to protect vulnerable residents from the dangers posed by excessive heat.
New Westminster Takes Action
Monica Bhandari, a long-time resident of New Westminster, has experienced firsthand the sweltering conditions in her apartment. With temperatures often soaring, she resorts to taking multiple cold showers daily and even using ice packs for relief. “I’ve had to sleep in my living room for months because my bedroom becomes unbearable,” Bhandari shares. The situation is dire enough that she sometimes finds the outdoors more comfortable than her own home.
Recognising the risks associated with high indoor temperatures, the city council enacted a maximum heat bylaw on 8 June 2026. This regulation mandates that at least one living space in rental units must not exceed an average temperature of 26°C between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., from April to October. The initiative comes in the wake of the devastating 2021 heat dome, which resulted in 619 fatalities across British Columbia, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures in residential housing.
Broader Implications of the Bylaw
While New Westminster’s bylaw is a progressive move, it stands out amidst a landscape where few Canadian municipalities have adopted similar measures. In contrast, Ontario has recently updated its Residential Tenancies Act to allow tenants to install window or portable air conditioning units, a move that offers some hope to renters struggling with heat. However, British Columbia, despite the alarming statistics and public outcry, has yet to amend its own legislation to include protections against heat-related risks.
Mayor Patrick Johnstone of New Westminster emphasises the importance of this legislation for community wellbeing, stating, “We just want to ensure that people can return home at night and sleep soundly.” The city is also advocating for changes at the provincial level to extend these protections to all of British Columbia.
Challenges for Landlords and Tenants
Despite the well-meaning intentions behind the new bylaw, concerns have been raised regarding its feasibility. David Hutniak, CEO of Landlord BC, expressed worries about the financial and infrastructural challenges that landlords may face in meeting the new requirements. The city has proposed various solutions, such as ceiling fans and blackout curtains, but Hutniak remains sceptical about their effectiveness in achieving the desired temperature reductions.
Meanwhile, experts like Marianne Touchie from the University of Toronto suggest that traditional methods, such as interior shading solutions, may not be sufficient. “We need to rethink our approach to building design to ensure homes can remain comfortable during the summer months,” she asserts.
A Broader Call for Action
The situation is not unique to New Westminster. Across Canada, municipalities are grappling with the reality of rising temperatures and their impact on residents. In Calgary, local advocates are pushing for similar temperature regulations and subsidised air conditioning units for low-income renters. Abi Martin, chair of ACORN Calgary, argues, “We must hold local governments accountable for the safety of our citizens during extreme heat events.”
In Toronto, recent regulations require apartment buildings to maintain indoor amenity spaces at or below 26°C until the end of September, although the city is still working towards implementing a new maximum heat bylaw by 2027. Residents like Hadya Ashraf, who live in buildings without central air conditioning, are hopeful that these changes will provide much-needed relief. “It’s difficult to function in this heat,” she states, echoing the sentiments of many tenants across the country.
Why it Matters
As climate change continues to pose a serious threat to public health, the actions taken by cities like New Westminster are not merely localised efforts; they represent a crucial shift towards prioritising the wellbeing of residents in the face of rising temperatures. As more municipalities consider similar bylaws, the hope is that they will foster a national conversation about tenant rights, climate resilience, and the urgent need for comprehensive housing reforms that protect all citizens from the growing dangers of extreme heat.
