Item - 2015.HL8.5
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Board of Health on November 30, 2015 and was adopted without amendment.
HL8.5 - Update on Extreme Heat and Maximum Indoor Temperature Standard for Multi-unit Residential Buildings
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Board Decision
The Board of Health:
1. Requested the Medical Officer of Health, in collaboration with the Executive Director of Municipal Licensing and Standards, and in consultation with stakeholders, to explore the feasibility of implementing a health-based maximum indoor temperature standard of 26 degrees celsius for rental multi-unit residential buildings and report back to the Board of Health.
2. Forwarded the report (November 16, 2015) from the Medical Officer of Health, to the Tenant Issues Committee.
Origin
Summary
This report provides an update on a request from the Board of Health to report on whether a maximum indoor temperature for rental apartment units is needed, and if so to identify an appropriate temperature.
New evidence indicates that exposure to temperatures above 26 degrees celsius is associated with increased premature mortality and emergency medical services calls. Based on the available health information to date, there is a need to better protect residents from extreme heat, and the feasibility of implementing a health-based maximum indoor temperature standard of 26 degrees celsius for rental multi-unit residential buildings should be explored.
A maximum indoor temperature standard is one component of a multi-pronged approach to reducing the health risk to vulnerable populations from extreme heat in multi-unit residential buildings. This report also summarizes the planned approach by Toronto Public Health (TPH) and Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) to engage tenants, landlords, technical experts and other stakeholders on this issue, as directed by the Board of Health. The report was prepared in consultation with MLS.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-85835.pdf
Communications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/hl/comm/communicationfile-57501.pdf
(November 30, 2015) Submission from Jacqueline Wilson and Daniel Carens-Nedelsky, Canadian Environmental Law Association (HL.New.HL8.5.2)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/hl/comm/communicationfile-57529.pdf
Speakers
Daryl Chong, President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater Toronto Apartment Association