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 vulnerable residents in multi-unit residential buildings without air conditioning.
In 2025, the City piloted a program to provide free portable air conditioners to low-income seniors with health-related needs for air conditioning living in multi-unit residential buildings. Close to 500 eligible recipients received a free portable air conditioner unit through the pilot program.
This year, the program will be expanding to provide 1,000 free portable air conditioners, and a new eligibility stream to support pregnant individuals and infants, while continuing to support seniors with health‑related needs.
This initiative aligns with climate change resilience efforts, including Toronto’s Heat Relief Strategy.
The program has two eligibility streams:
Review the additional requirements below before you apply to make sure that you’re eligible.
All applicants must meet the common eligibility requirements listed below:
| 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.
Proof of income is required for all household family members aged 18 and older. Acceptable proof of income documents include:
Dependent Adults: If you are 18 years of age or older, considered a dependent adult, have no income, have not filed an income tax return and are attending school full-time, a confirmation of your full-time school timetable may be submitted instead of income documentation.
Proof of address is required for the applicant only. If your address is displayed in your income document and matches your application, a separate document is not required to verify address. Acceptable address verification documents include:
Applicants applying through the seniors stream must provide proof of age. If the income or address documents provided does not display the applicant’s date of birth, the applicant must provide an identification document to confirm their date of birth. Acceptable identification documents include:
Applicants applying through the pregnant individuals stream must provide verification of pregnancy status through a letter from a health care professional.
Applicants applying through the infants stream must provide a birth certificate or a letter from a health care professional.
Acceptable health care professionals include:
Templates for acceptable wording can be found below:
Applications will open from Monday, April 7 to Monday, April 20. Eligible Toronto residents who are interested in the program are required to complete an application.
To apply, you will:
You are encouraged to apply online for the Air Conditioner Assistance program.
If you do not have an email address and are unable to complete an online application, please call 416‑397-2220 for application support.
If you are unable to apply online or by phone, starting on March 16, you can book an in-person appointment at one of the following City locations between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select days between April 7 to April 20.
If you are unable to apply online or in-person, you can call 416-397-2220 for application support. Live language interpretation will be available by telephone upon request.
If you are not eligible for or selected through the City’s Air Conditioner Assistance Program and you need a cooling device for medical reasons, you may be able to apply for funding towards a cooling device through social assistance (Ontario Works/Ontario Disability Support Program) or the City’s Hardship Fund.
If you’re the customer of an electricity utility, and your household size and income meet certain levels, you may qualify for a reduction on your electricity bill through the OESP. The OESP will reduce the cost of your household electricity by applying a monthly credit directly to your bill. The credit amount will depend on how many people live in the home and the combined annual household after tax income.
The Energy Affordability Program provides support to income-eligible electricity consumers by helping them to better manage their monthly electricity costs and to increase their home comfort. There are two types of support available through the Energy Affordability Program: Comprehensive Support and Energy Saving Kits. All expert advice and energy-saving home upgrades under this program are completely free of charge.