Item - 2015.HL8.5

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.