Councillor Matlow’s more than a decade long crusade to see a maximum allowable indoor temperature by-law will take effect in Summer 2027. This is a timeline that was moved up by at least two summers from what was originally recommended by City staff.
The bylaw would require all rental units to stay below 26ºC, including buildings that currently do not have air conditioning.
According to Matlow, “The impact of this by-law will deliver a huge improvement in quality of life for thousands of Toronto renters. And as we mark five years since the “heat dome” heat wave in British Columbia, which took the lives of 619 people, we’re reminded why this by-law is so important. Renters deserve homes that are healthy and safe.”
A plan to expedite the framework was approved by City Council at the end of June and Matlow credited local organizations for their tenacity on the subject including ACORN and the Federation of Metro Tenants Associations.
Speaking to NOW Toronto, Matlow said, “What tenants haven’t had until now is a feeling like City Hall has had their back, and I’ve just made it very clear to the mayor and council that this has to be a priority, this has to be acted on. No more delays, no more dragging the puck.”
Under the newly approved plan, the City Manager will deliver the bylaw to be approved by City Council by June 2027, with an implementation plan.