Vancouver City Council passed a motion calling for the provincial government to address critical gaps in access to cooling solutions, particularly for those living in multi-unit residential buildings, like strata condominium units.

Currently, the Vancouver Charter allows the City to set minimum temperature standards but not maximum indoor temperature limits.

To close this gap, the council is urging the province to grant the city with authority to set maximum safe indoor temperatures for residential buildings and amend the Strata Property Act to recognize the “right to cool,” so strata residents can install cooling solutions like air conditioning or heat pumps. Incentives, grants, or subsidies would further support the installation of energy-efficient, climate-resilient cooling systems for individual unit owners in strata buildings.

“These measures are about more than just comfort – they’re about protecting lives,” said Councillor Peter Meiszner, who introduced the motion alongside Councillor Lisa Dominato. “By making cooling solutions more accessible and affordable, we can build a safer, healthier, and more climate-resilient future for everyone in Vancouver.”

Extreme heat disproportionately impacts seniors, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. This motion comes as the city’s climate is shifting, with heat events like the 2021 heat dome. Record-breaking temperatures exposed the vulnerabilities of many residents, particularly those living in multi-unit buildings, where strata by-laws or outdated designs often prevent the installation of essential cooling systems like heat pumps.