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

Two local groups are frustrated with Hamilton City Council due to continued delays in the implementation of a maximum heat bylaw that they have been pushing since 2023.

Environment Hamilton and Acorn are calling on the City to release the report and vote on the bylaw before Hamilton tenants suffer through another hot summer.

Advocates say protection from heat is not a luxury and that it’s a basic necessity of life, but they say they’ve been waiting on the City for more than 1,000 days and it’s unacceptable.

According to a City website a broad ‘Adequate Temperature Bylaw’ would impose a maximum indoor temperature requirement of 26 C in rental units in Hamilton.

Through a proposed bylaw, landlords and property owners could be required to provide cooling equipment in rental units, where temperatures exceed that level.

In May 2023, Hamilton City Council directed staff to prepare an information report before the end of the year identifying the 2024 priorities and timelines for the development of new bylaws, including an Adequate Temperature Bylaw.

But advocates say they’re still waiting and it’s unacceptable.

“There was an apology issued which I mentioned in my last delegation. But again, there was no explanation about why the work wasn’t done that you directed to staff to do. And there still isn’t any explanation about why it’s still taking so long for this report to come forward to you, which you asked and directed staff to draft,” says Ian Borsuk, executive director, Environment Hamilton.

Hamilton City Council is expected to bring forward the report on Oct. 7.

Delegates are urging the City to avoid any more delays so the bylaw can be passed as soon as possible.

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