Item - 2021.MM28.7

City Council on February 2, 3 and 5, 2021, adopted the following:

1.  City Council urge the Federal and Provincial Governments to consider promoting and supporting improvements to indoor ventilation and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to reduce the aerosol transmission of COVID-19 and possible future viruses by:

a.  immediately implementing the recommendations in an open letter from 363 Canadian experts sent to the Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Medical Officers of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments on January 4, 2021, notably:

1.  developing clear ventilation standards using existing evidence and best practices, particularly addressing multi-occupant public spaces and activities with a higher risk of aerosol transmission, and integrating those standards into safe reopening guidelines;

2.  mandating and funding ventilation assessments and upgrades of public institutions; and

3.  recommending portable equipment that has been confirmed for safety and effectiveness in reducing aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 such as air filtration units in spaces where sufficient and effective ventilation is not possible otherwise;

b.  amending applicable legislative and regulatory requirements, including the Ontario Building Code, to set government-approved standards and requirements for improved indoor ventilation in the alteration and construction of buildings;

c.  mandating ventilation assessments of all publicly-accessible buildings;

d.  mandating upgrades to existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to meet ventilation standards required to reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2; and

e.  providing interest-free loans or grants to owners and operators of businesses and institutions who enhance existing, or install improved, indoor ventilation to meet government-approved standards.