Toronto/CMEDIA: The Air Conditioner Assistance Program reportedly is being brought back by the City of Toronto, which provides at least 1,000 free portable air conditioners to eligible low-income residents living in multi-unit residential buildings.
“Following the success of last year’s Air Conditioner Assistance Program, I’m excited to double its size and help even more Toronto residents this year. Last year’s historic heat waves were a reminder of the impact extreme weather events have. These air conditioners will be a necessary support for Toronto residents,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said.
Eligibility for residents include seniors (65 years and older) with health-related needs, pregnant individuals and new parents or caregivers with infants.
Applications for the program will be open from April 7 to 21.
Selected through a random draw, program participants will be notified in May.
More about the the eligibility of the program and how to apply can be learnt by the residents on the City’s Air Conditioner Assistance webpage.
Piloted in 2025, the program delivered close to 500 portable air conditioners to low-income seniors with health-related needs.
Toronto City Council has allocated $1 million this year to expand the program as part of the 2026 budget covering all costs for delivery and installation.
Monetary donations are being accepted by the City for the Air Conditioner Assistance Program through its on-line DonateTO portal to help protect vulnerable residents from extreme heat this summer.
Donations received before May 23 will be directed towards the purchase, delivery and installation of additional portable air conditioners this summer. More information on how to donate is available on the City’s DonateTO webpage.
Continuing to experience the effects of climate change, including more frequent, prolonged and extreme heat events,Toronto’s excessive indoor temperatures are a significant concern for many, including vulnerable residents in multi-unit residential buildings without air conditioning.
More information on the City’s climate action efforts and how residents can prepare for extreme heat this summer is available on the City’s climate webpage.
