Hamilton council approves maximum heat bylaw pilot project for Ward 2

Hamilton city council has approved a pilot project that will require landlords in Ward 2 to keep rental units at a maximum temperature of 26 C during the summer.

Under the bylaw, the maximum temperature will apply 24 hours a day.

Landlords will have to comply with the new requirement by June 1.

Council voted down proposed amendments that would have expanded the maximum heat requirement city-wide immediately.

The pilot follows years of calls from local advocates for stronger protections for tenants during periods of extreme heat.

Environment Hamilton and Acorn have been pushing the city to implement a maximum heat bylaw. In September, the groups criticized continued delays and called on council to approve the measure before another hot summer.

Advocates have argued that protection from extreme indoor heat is a basic necessity and not a luxury.

WATCH MORE: Local groups frustrated with City of Hamilton over delays in maximum heat bylaw