In-suite cooling is critical to combat the worst impacts of extreme heat. Without mandatory cooling infrastructure in residential buildings, extreme heat poses a serious health risk for Toronto residents.
In 2025, the City of Toronto piloted the “Air Conditioner Assistance Program” to combat the issue of extreme heat indoors. This program provided approximately 500 free portable air conditioning units to low-income seniors in multi-residential buildings.
Due to its success and high demand, the City has expanded the free air conditioner program to income-eligible individuals for the summer of 2026. The application period is very short, from April 7-April 21, 2026. We urge eligible individuals to apply.
Applications are only being accepted from Monday, April 7 to Monday, April 21, 2026.
Eligible Toronto residents can apply online (between April 7-April 21, 2026), call 416-397-2220 for support, or book an in-person appointment.
Residing in a multi-unit residential building that is three or more storeys above grade and located in Toronto.
An individual does not currently have access to an air conditioning unit or in-suite cooling.
The individual belongs to a low-income household, based on Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Measure. For example, a one-person household, the net annual family income threshold is $30,255. For a two-person household, the net annual family income threshold is $42,787. Check the City of Toronto’s website for eligibility based on your family size.
Stream 1 – Seniors
To qualify for stream 1, applicants must also be 65 years or older as of December 31, 2026 and have a self-identified medical need for air conditioning.
Stream 2 – Pregnant Individuals and A Parent or Legal Guardian of Infant
To qualify for stream 2, applicants must either be pregnant or be the parent or legal guardian of an infant under 1 year old at the time of application.
Documentation to Include in Application
The “required documents” include proof of income, number of persons in a household, identification, and an address within Toronto. For pregnant individuals, a health-care provider must confirm pregnancy. A template letter to ask your health care provider to fill out is included on the City of Toronto’s website: Air Conditioner Assistance Program – City of Toronto
CELA Encourages all Eligible Applicants to Apply
Eligible applicants will be selected through a randomized draw and will be notified in May. Air conditioning units will be distributed in early June.
The City of Toronto’s website also includes information about other related programs, including the Ontario Works/ Ontario Disability Support Program (discretionary health benefit), Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) and the Save on Energy – Energy Affordability Program.
CELA strongly encourages eligible residents to apply. Heat is most dangerous when it accumulates indoors and remains above 26 degrees Celsius throughout extreme heat events. Mechanical cooling is an important public health measure and will help keep residents safe during increasing extreme heat events.
Blog: Apply for the City of Toronto’s Free Air Conditioner Program
In-suite cooling is critical to combat the worst impacts of extreme heat. Without mandatory cooling infrastructure in residential buildings, extreme heat poses a serious health risk for Toronto residents.
In 2025, the City of Toronto piloted the “Air Conditioner Assistance Program” to combat the issue of extreme heat indoors. This program provided approximately 500 free portable air conditioning units to low-income seniors in multi-residential buildings.
Due to its success and high demand, the City has expanded the free air conditioner program to income-eligible individuals for the summer of 2026. The application period is very short, from April 7-April 21, 2026. We urge eligible individuals to apply.
Applications are only being accepted from Monday, April 7 to Monday, April 21, 2026.
Eligible Toronto residents can apply online (between April 7-April 21, 2026), call 416-397-2220 for support, or book an in-person appointment.
Eligibility – 2 Streams
General Eligibility Requirements
For more information on eligibility, please visit the City of Toronto’s website: Air Conditioner Assistance Program – City of Toronto
Eligibility is determined based on:
Stream 1 – Seniors
To qualify for stream 1, applicants must also be 65 years or older as of December 31, 2026 and have a self-identified medical need for air conditioning.
Stream 2 – Pregnant Individuals and A Parent or Legal Guardian of Infant
To qualify for stream 2, applicants must either be pregnant or be the parent or legal guardian of an infant under 1 year old at the time of application.
Documentation to Include in Application
The “required documents” include proof of income, number of persons in a household, identification, and an address within Toronto. For pregnant individuals, a health-care provider must confirm pregnancy. A template letter to ask your health care provider to fill out is included on the City of Toronto’s website: Air Conditioner Assistance Program – City of Toronto
CELA Encourages all Eligible Applicants to Apply
Eligible applicants will be selected through a randomized draw and will be notified in May. Air conditioning units will be distributed in early June.
The City of Toronto’s website also includes information about other related programs, including the Ontario Works/ Ontario Disability Support Program (discretionary health benefit), Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) and the Save on Energy – Energy Affordability Program.
CELA strongly encourages eligible residents to apply. Heat is most dangerous when it accumulates indoors and remains above 26 degrees Celsius throughout extreme heat events. Mechanical cooling is an important public health measure and will help keep residents safe during increasing extreme heat events.
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