Beat the Heat this Summer!

With summer in full swing, extreme heat has and will be expected to hit Toronto. I encourage everyone to review my resources on spaces you can go to escape high temperatures as well as City by-laws related to air conditioning so you can keep yourself and your family safe.

Extreme temperatures can be especially challenging for seniors and people living with accessibility needs that make travel difficult. While most modern buildings have air condition, many older apartment buildings do not, potentially making friends and family vulnerable. Please check in with loved ones to see if they require supports when temperatures rise.

Cool Spaces in Toronto Centre

Bay Cloverhill

Central YMCA (20 Grosvenor Street): Indoor Pool and Water Fountain; open 6:00am to 10:00pm Monday to Sunday
Clover Hill Park (50 St. Joseph Street): Splash Pad; open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Sunday

Church Wellesley

Barbara Hall Park (519 Church Street): Splash Pad; open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Sunday

St James Town

Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne Street): Indoor Pool and water fountain; open 7:00am to 10:00pm Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 10:00pm Saturday and 9:00am to 6:00pm Sunday (Note: pool closed for maintenance. Estimated re-opening on June 30)

Cabbagetown

Riverdale Park West (375 Sumach Street): Wading Pool; open 11:00am to 7:00pm, starting June 27
Wellesley Park (500 Wellesley Street East): Splash Pad; open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Sunday

Cabbagetown South

Parliament Street Public Library (269 Gerrard Street East): open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and 1:30pm to 5:00pm Sunday

Regent Park

Pam McConnell Aquatics Centre (640 Dundas Street East): Indoor Pool ; open 7:00am to 9:00pm Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm Saturday and 8:30am to 7:00pm Sunday
Regent Park (600 Dundas Street East): Splash Pad; open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Sunday
Regent Park Aquatics Centre (640 Dundas Street East): Indoor Pool and water fountain; open 10:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Sunday
Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter Street): Water fountain; open 7:30am to 10:00pm Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm Saturday and 10:00am to 6:00pm Sunday

Moss Park

John Innes Community Recreation Centre (150 Sherbourne Street): open 9:00am to 9:30pm Monday to Wednesday, 9:00am to 12:30pm Thursday, 9:00am to 9:30pm Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday
John Innes Community Recreation Centre (150 Sherbourne Street): Indoor Pool open 7:00am to 11:00pm Monday, 7:00am to 10:00pm Tuesday to Friday, 7:00am to 8:00pm Saturday and Sunday
Moss Park (150 Sherbourne Street): Splash Pad; open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Sunday

St. Lawrence

St. James Park (120 King Street East): Splash Pad; open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Sunday
St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (230 The Esplanade): open 6:15am to 9:00pm Monday to Friday and 8:30pm to 8:00pm Saturday and Sunday
St. Lawrence Public Library (171 Front Street East East): open 10:00am to 8:30pm Monday and Tuesday, 10:00am to 6:00pm Wednesday, 12:30pm to 8:30pm Thursday, 10:00am to 6:00pm Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and 1:30pm to 5:00pm Sunday

Corktown

Cooper Koo YMCA (461 Cherry Street): Indoor Pool and Water Fountain; open 6:00am to 10:00pm Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 10:00pm Saturday and Sunday
Sackville Playground (420 King Street East): Splash Pad; open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Sunday

Canary District

Corktown Common (155 Bayview Avenue): Splash Pad; open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Sunday
Diamond Jubilee Promenade (475 Front Street East): Splash Pad; open 9:00am to 8:30pm Monday to Sunday

City Bylaws: Air Conditioning

The City's property standards bylaw mandates that--if a building is equipped with air conditioning--indoor temperatures may not exceed 26C between June 1 to September 30. Condensation drainage must not flow onto walkways, entrance areas, driveways, pedestrian or vehicular areas. Ventilation systems must also be in good working order, providing adequate fresh air for a healthy indoor environment. For more on heating and cooling bylaws, please visit my website.

Residents may choose to install their own air conditioning unit to keep their home cool. Under the Property Standards Bylaw, landlords are responsible for ensuring window air conditioning units are installed and maintained to function safely and effectively. The City may require the landlord to prove that a qualified tradesperson has installed, or confirmed proper installation and maintenance of, the window air conditioning unit.

There are no City bylaw provisions requiring this proof from tenants or allowing landlords to require this proof from tenants. However, the terms of the lease agreement between the landlord (apartment building owner) and tenant may include requirements concerning air conditioning in the rental unit. Landlords and tenants may want to seek legal advice and information on how the Residential Tenancies Act applies. For more information, please visit the RentSafeTO website.

There are many other property standards issues that can impact how livable your unit is during extreme temperatures. These could include having a working refrigerator and running water. If a vital service in your unit is not working, please contact your landlord right away. If they are not resolving the issue in a timely manner, please report the issue to 311.

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