Toronto to give away more free air conditioners this summer
The City of Toronto is clearing the waitlist and providing more heat relief to select apartment dwellers this summer with an additional 500 free portable air conditioning units.
Last year, a staggering 29 extreme heat warnings were issued in Toronto, almost double the number issued in 2024. With temperatures these days close to hitting 30 degrees, the timing of this announcement couldn't be better.
In a recent Instagram post, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced that, "Everyone who applied and qualified for a free AC is getting one."
'In this year's budget, I doubled funding for this program. Because we got so many applications, we were able to find more funding to include families with young children."
Last month, the City of Toronto announced plans to give away around 1,000 free portable A/C units this summer as part of its Air Conditioner Assistance Program. Now, that amount has expanded to 1,500 units for eligible residents including seniors with health‑related needs, families with small children, and pregnant individuals.
For those who can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on a portable air conditioner, this additional funding is an absolute lifesaver.
A new rule forcing Toronto landlords to offer air conditioning kicks in next month. Starting June 1, apartment buildings without in-unit air conditioning will be required by law to ensure tenants still have access to a cooled indoor space during scorching hot weather. Places like lobbies and hallways must be kept at 26 degrees C or lower until September 30.
Toronto Public Health warns that extreme heat can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke for seniors and young children, especially. People can experience dizziness, nausea, headache and sometimes even loss of consciousness.
The City has also ramped up its Heat Relief Strategy and, as of May 15, opened 500 cool spaces, which will remain open even on days without heat warnings. City-operated public pools won't open until June 20.
Mostofa Mohiuddin/Shutterstock
