Air Conditioner Assistance Program

Successful applicants for the Air Conditioner Assistance Program have been notified and must submit verification documentation by June 22 to remain eligible for the program. If you are still in need of cooling assistance, please consider applying for a Cooling Device assistance through the City’s Hardship Fund. You can also find tips and resources to help you manage the heat and keep cool this summer.

 

This summer the City is piloting a program to provide free portable air conditioners to some low-income seniors with health-related needs for air conditioning. This initiative aligns with climate change resilience efforts and complements existing supports, such as the City’s Hardship Fund.

Toronto continues to experience the effects of climate change, including more frequent, prolonged and extreme heat events. Excessive indoor temperatures are a significant concern for many, including senior residents in multi-unit residential buildings without air conditioning.

          Eligibility

          To be considered for the pilot program, you must meet the following:

          • Be 65 years of age or older as of December 31, 2025.
          • Reside in a multi-unit residential building (three or more storeys) located in Toronto.
          • Belong to a low-income household as determined by the Statistics Canada Low-Income Measurement (see Low-Income Household Measurements table below).
          • Do not currently have access to an air conditioning unit or in-suite cooling.
          • Have a self-identified medical need for air conditioning.
          Low-Income Household Measurements
          Family Size* Net Annual Family Income**
          1 person $30,255
          2 persons $42,787
          3 persons $52,402
          4 persons $60,510
          5 persons $67,652
          6 persons $74,109
          7 persons $80,047
          8 persons $85,574
          9 persons $90,765
          10 persons $95,675

          *Family size is defined by the Statistics Canada Census Family definition which includes up to two generations of immediate family members who are living together.

          **Total annual net income will only be calculated for family members 18 years of age or older.

          Conditions

          • Only one application will be accepted per person
          • This is a one-time benefit per household
          • This pilot program is intended for seniors who are not under the active care of a doctor or nurse practitioner and may experience challenges obtaining a medical note.
          • Recipients will be ineligible for other air conditioner benefits through Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or the Hardship Fund.
          • This pilot program is not intended for recipients of OW or ODSP. If you are receiving financial assistance from OW or ODSP, speak to your caseworker for more information about Medical Items, Devices & Supplies.
          • Applicants are required to provide documentation for verification.
          • Applicants who live in rental accommodations should speak with their landlord before applying to discuss installation within their suite.
          • The program does not cover cost of electricity.
          • A follow up survey will be sent to all successful applicants regarding the pilot program in Fall 2025.

          Selection Process

          Eligible applicants will be selected through a randomized draw, with successful applicants being notified by email or phone the week of June 16.

          Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of name, address, date of birth, and a copy of their 2024 Notice of Assessment and will be contacted by email with a follow-up survey to provide verification documentation. 

          Applicants who do not have an email address will be contacted by phone with next steps.

          Distribution

          Distribution of the portable air conditioning units will begin by July.

          The City is developing a policy framework to address the impacts of heat events and to mitigate excessive indoor temperatures in multi-unit residential buildings.

          Building on existing efforts in December 2025, City Council adopted 2024.PH17.5. This report was a response to City Council direction (2023.MM7.8) and endorsed a maximum indoor temperature standard of 26°C to protect tenant health from excessive heat, with implementation considerations and next steps to be outlined in a staff report in the fall of 2025.