Hamilton to pilot bylaw to protect downtown renters from extreme indoor heat

Hamilton city council has approved a pilot bylaw aimed at safeguarding downtown tenants from extreme indoor heat, marking the first of its kind in Ontario. The initiative will require landlords in Ward 2, the area predominantly populated by renters, to maintain a minimum temperature of 26 C in at least one room within each unit.

This threshold aligns with health guidelines set by Health Canada. The pilot program is scheduled to commence next year and conclude in September 2028, with council members set to review the results and consider citywide implementation by early 2029. Interim city manager Mike Zegarac emphasized the council's intention to approach this groundbreaking law with caution.

Tenant advocates have called for extending the pilot to more wards and initiating it sooner, while a local landlord association has urged council to delay the decision pending further research.