Following the recent heat wave that struck mainland Nova Scotia, Miriam Williams and her husband have been utilizing six box fans in their high-rise apartment to mitigate the 40 C feels-like temperature.
Williams expressed the unbearable conditions, highlighting the limited options available to them.
In July, Williams participated in a rally organized by tenant advocacy group ACORN at the Halifax Common splash pad as part of a nationwide campaign pushing for government intervention to address the increasing risks of extreme heat. The demands across different regions revolve around setting indoor temperature limits for rentals and providing cooling subsidies.
Williams emphasized concerns for vulnerable individuals like children and the elderly who may struggle in such extreme heat.
Christian Salmeron, another participant in the rally, shared his challenges in finding a suitable cool working environment during the heat wave, echoing the difficulties faced by others who cannot work remotely.
While window air conditioners are not explicitly prohibited by Salmeron’s building management, no tenants in his building have installed them, citing cost as a significant deterrent.
Similarly, Williams shared her experience of owning a portable air conditioner but refraining from using it frequently due to high operational costs.
The protesters advocated for a provincewide indoor temperature cap and urged the government to prevent landlords from restricting certain types of air conditioning units while offering financial aid for their purchase.
Concerns were raised about the lack of government action during the persistent heat wave.
Although there is no standardized reporting method for heat-related deaths in Canada, a coroner’s report in British Columbia linked the 2021 heat wave to 619 fatalities in the province.
In a significant move, New Westminster in B.C. became the first city council in the country to pass a bylaw amendment mandating all rental units to maintain a safe indoor temperature averaging 26 C from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. in at least one living area, excluding bathrooms.
The provincial government emphasized that decisions regarding supplementary air conditioning units are at the discretion of building owners. Service Nova Scotia requires landlords to maintain safe and habitable rental properties, with recourse available through the residential tenancies program for unresolved tenant concerns.
Sarah Brannen, spokesperson for the Halifax Regional Municipality, highlighted the city’s commitment to addressing extreme heat risks through the HalifACT climate action plan.
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