By Jigme Tsering
On June 4th, 2024, CELA, as part of the Toronto Heat Safety Coalition, mobilized in front of the Toronto City Hall to advocate for a maximum temperature bylaw. A maximum temperature by-law would set a maximum indoor temperature inside rental units of 26 degrees C. This event was a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the effects of rising temperatures caused by climate change and the profound impact they have on our community. The event showcased the growing coalition across Toronto and the province advocating for a maximum temperature bylaw to ensure safe and livable conditions for all residents.
The Need for a Maximum Temperature Bylaw
Extreme heat is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a serious health hazard. High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses and exacerbate existing health conditions, making it crucial to have protective measures in place. A maximum temperature bylaw would ensure that indoor environments remain safe and comfortable, regardless of external weather conditions.
During the 2021 extreme heat event in British Columbia, the majority of deaths occurred inside people’s homes. According to Dr. Sarah Henderson of the BC Centre of Disease Control, which studied the extreme event and highlighted the unfairness of health impacts caused by heat: “People don’t die because it is hot outside; they die because it is hot inside.” 98% of the deaths that occurred during the BC extreme heat event occurred indoors.
Key Points for the Maximum Temperature Bylaw:
- Health and Safety: Protecting the health of residents by preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths indoors in their apartments.
- Equity and Justice: Ensuring that all communities, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to cool and safe living conditions.
- Sustainability: Promoting energy-efficient cooling solutions that align with environmental sustainability goals.
Linking to Our Latest Reports
For a more in-depth look at the issues and the proposed solutions for extreme heat, we encourage you to read our new report, The Urgent Need for a Maximum Temperature By-Law in Toronto, and the joint statement released in collaboration with our partner organizations. These documents provide comprehensive data and strategic recommendations for implementing a maximum temperature bylaw.
A Call to Action
The event at Toronto City Hall was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. By coming together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that everyone in Toronto and across the province can live in safe, comfortable environments. We urge policymakers, community leaders, and residents to support the maximum temperature bylaw and join the growing movement for safer, cooler living conditions.
The Toronto Heat Safety Coalition is made up of allied organizations CELA, ACORN, Advocacy Center for the Elderly (ACE), Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO), ARCH Disability Law Centre, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), Climate Justice Toronto, CREW (Community Resilience to Extreme Weather), Low-Income Energy Network, Seniors for Climate Action Now! Toronto (SCAN), and Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA).
Image courtesy of @BeritK via Canva.com
Blog: Calling for a Maximum Temperature Bylaw in Toronto
By Jigme Tsering
On June 4th, 2024, CELA, as part of the Toronto Heat Safety Coalition, mobilized in front of the Toronto City Hall to advocate for a maximum temperature bylaw. A maximum temperature by-law would set a maximum indoor temperature inside rental units of 26 degrees C. This event was a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the effects of rising temperatures caused by climate change and the profound impact they have on our community. The event showcased the growing coalition across Toronto and the province advocating for a maximum temperature bylaw to ensure safe and livable conditions for all residents.
The Need for a Maximum Temperature Bylaw
Extreme heat is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a serious health hazard. High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses and exacerbate existing health conditions, making it crucial to have protective measures in place. A maximum temperature bylaw would ensure that indoor environments remain safe and comfortable, regardless of external weather conditions.
During the 2021 extreme heat event in British Columbia, the majority of deaths occurred inside people’s homes. According to Dr. Sarah Henderson of the BC Centre of Disease Control, which studied the extreme event and highlighted the unfairness of health impacts caused by heat: “People don’t die because it is hot outside; they die because it is hot inside.” 98% of the deaths that occurred during the BC extreme heat event occurred indoors.
Key Points for the Maximum Temperature Bylaw:
Linking to Our Latest Reports
For a more in-depth look at the issues and the proposed solutions for extreme heat, we encourage you to read our new report, The Urgent Need for a Maximum Temperature By-Law in Toronto, and the joint statement released in collaboration with our partner organizations. These documents provide comprehensive data and strategic recommendations for implementing a maximum temperature bylaw.
A Call to Action
The event at Toronto City Hall was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. By coming together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that everyone in Toronto and across the province can live in safe, comfortable environments. We urge policymakers, community leaders, and residents to support the maximum temperature bylaw and join the growing movement for safer, cooler living conditions.
The Toronto Heat Safety Coalition is made up of allied organizations CELA, ACORN, Advocacy Center for the Elderly (ACE), Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO), ARCH Disability Law Centre, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), Climate Justice Toronto, CREW (Community Resilience to Extreme Weather), Low-Income Energy Network, Seniors for Climate Action Now! Toronto (SCAN), and Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA).
Image courtesy of @BeritK via Canva.com
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