Since a recent heatwave swept through mainland Nova Scotia, Miriam Williams and her husband have been using six box fans in their high-rise apartment to combat the sweltering 40 C “feels-like” temperature. Williams expressed the unbearable conditions and joined ACORN’s protest at the Halifax Common splash pad, advocating for government action to address the escalating risks associated with extreme heat.
Williams emphasized the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals, particularly children and elderly residents in her building, who are struggling in the heat wave. The lack of government action during this prolonged heatwave is a growing concern for her and others.
Christian Salmeron, another participant in the rally, highlighted the difficulties of working in high temperatures, noting that his room temperatures ranged between 28 C and 30 C, making it impossible to work or rest comfortably. Despite the absence of a ban on window air conditioners in his building, none of the tenants have installed them due to cost constraints.
Both Williams and Salmeron called for government intervention, including setting province-wide indoor temperature limits, prohibiting landlords from banning specific types of air conditioners, and providing financial aid for purchasing cooling units. They stressed the importance of such measures to alleviate the adverse effects of extreme heat on residents.
Recent reports have highlighted the severity of heat-related issues in Canada, with a coroner’s report in British Columbia attributing 619 deaths to the 2021 heatwave. New Westminster in B.C. became the first city council in the country to pass a bylaw mandating a safe indoor temperature of 26 C in rental units between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. in living areas, excluding bathrooms.
While the provincial government leaves decisions regarding supplementary cooling units to building owners, it emphasizes the responsibility of landlords to maintain safe and habitable rental properties. Tenants facing concerns can escalate issues through the residential tenancies program.
Sarah Brannen, spokesperson for the Halifax Regional Municipality, highlighted the city’s efforts under the HalifACT climate action plan to prepare communities for extreme heat events. The municipality is exploring strategies to address indoor heat risks and ensure safe indoor temperatures for residents.
The demands for government action to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat continue to grow, with residents and advocacy groups pushing for regulations to safeguard against the effects of oppressive heatwaves.
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