The application for the Air Conditioning (A/C) Assistance program will open on May 26 and close on June 6, 2025.
The City is launching a pilot program for summer 2025 to provide free portable air conditioners to low-income seniors living in multi-unit residential buildings (three or more storeys) with health-related cooling needs. This Mayoral priority received funding in Budget 2025, aligning with the broader climate change resilience efforts and complementing existing supports, such as the City’s Hardship Fund.
Background
Toronto is increasingly experiencing the effects of climate change, including more frequent, prolonged and extreme heat events. Excessive indoor temperatures are a significant concern for many, including residents in multi-unit residential buildings without air conditioning, with the potential for a significant impact on seniors and individuals with health conditions.
To address this issue, 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.
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.
- This program is intended for seniors who are not under the active care of a doctor or nurse practitioner and have challenges obtaining a medical note.
- If you are receiving financial assistance from OW and ODSP, please speak with your caseworker. If you are not receiving assistance, air conditioning benefits are available for eligible residents through the Hardship Fund.
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.
Program & Application Overview
Application Process
Residents who are interested in the program are required to complete an application:
- Please note that a link to the application will be available on May 26.
- Caregivers can complete the application on someone’s behalf.
- Applications can be completed online, by phone or in person.
- Live interpretation will be available by telephone upon request.
Selection Process
- Eligible applicants will be selected through a randomized draw, with successful applicants being notified by email or over the phone.
- Distribution of the portable air conditioning units will begin by July.
Terms & Conditions
- This is a one-time benefit per household.
- Recipients will be ineligible for other air conditioner benefits through Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or the Hardship Fund.
- 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 doesn’t cover costs for installation or electricity.
- A follow up survey will be sent to all successful applicants regarding the pilot program in Fall 2025.
