As temperatures rise across Canada, municipalities are beginning to take decisive measures to protect residents from extreme heat. New Westminster, a city near Vancouver, has recently enacted a significant bylaw to limit indoor temperatures in rental units, setting a precedent for other cities grappling with the realities of climate change.
New Westminster’s Pioneering Bylaw
Monica Bhandari, a resident of New Westminster, has experienced the discomfort of living in an excessively hot apartment for years. The sweltering conditions have forced her to take multiple cold showers daily and seek refuge elsewhere during heatwaves. “I have left my apartment at times, and I go outside, and it’s cooler than it is in my apartment,” she shared.
In June 2026, New Westminster implemented a bylaw aimed at ensuring that rental units remain habitable during the warmer months. The regulation stipulates that at least one living space must not exceed an average temperature of 26°C between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., from April to October. This initiative was a direct response to the devastating heat dome of 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 619 individuals in British Columbia, including 33 in New Westminster. Alarmingly, a report indicated that more than 98% of these fatalities occurred indoors, predominantly affecting seniors and those in vulnerable communities.
The Broader Canadian Context
Despite New Westminster’s proactive stance, the response to extreme heat across Canada has been inconsistent. While British Columbia has introduced this bylaw, it has yet to amend its Residential Tenancy Act to reflect the need for maximum temperature limits. In contrast, Ontario recently updated its regulations to grant tenants the right to install their own air conditioning units, effective July 1. This legislative shift has provided some relief to residents like Hadya Ashraf from Toronto, who previously struggled without central air conditioning. “It’s really difficult to stay in the unit. It’s difficult to work in the kitchen,” she said, highlighting the challenges posed by extreme heat.
The situation in Alberta mirrors that of British Columbia, with no changes to tenant protection laws concerning heat. Activists in Calgary, including Abi Martin of ACORN, are advocating for similar measures, proposing a maximum indoor temperature of 26°C and subsidised air conditioning for low-income residents. “Whoever keeps passing the buck onto each other is still responsible and culpable for these deaths,” Martin stated, reflecting the urgent need for action.
Challenges for Landlords and Tenants
While New Westminster’s bylaw represents progress, concerns remain regarding its implementation. David Hutniak, CEO of Landlord BC, expressed apprehension about the financial burden placed on property owners to meet the new requirements. Although the city has suggested various low-cost measures to cool living spaces, such as ceiling fans and blackout curtains, there are doubts about their effectiveness. “We are not confident that the low-cost measures will actually satisfy the bylaw,” Hutniak commented.
Experts, including Marianne Touchie from the University of Toronto, have pointed out that internal solutions like curtains are often inadequate. She advocates for external shading methods, which can significantly reduce indoor temperatures. “You’re maybe not going to save as much energy in the wintertime, but you’re going to make those houses way more habitable in the summertime,” Touchie explained.
Looking Ahead: Toronto’s Future Regulations
Toronto is also making strides towards addressing heat issues, with existing regulations for apartment buildings to maintain a maximum indoor temperature of 26°C in amenity spaces until September 30. However, new provisions are yet to be fully realised, with a proposed maximum heat bylaw set to be presented to the city council in 2027. As temperatures continue to rise, the pressure mounts on municipalities to develop effective strategies for safeguarding public health.
Until recently, residents like Ms. Ashraf faced strict prohibitions on installing air conditioners in their homes. Now, with new rights granted to tenants, there is a glimmer of hope for improved living conditions. “I definitely feel a bit more hopeful and just a bit excited that there’s an ability for tenants to install air conditioning,” she noted, recognising the importance of personal agency in combating heat.
Why it Matters
As climate change intensifies, the need for effective heat regulations becomes increasingly critical. New Westminster’s bylaw is a pioneering example of how local governments can take meaningful action to protect vulnerable populations from extreme temperatures. With many cities still lagging in their response, the success of this initiative may serve as a template for others facing similar challenges, highlighting the urgent need for a collective approach to climate resilience and tenant protection across Canada.
