The City of Toronto is expanding its air conditioner giveaway, following last year’s pilot program to provide cool relief to low-income residents of multifamily buildings. The 2026 City budget allocates $1 million for the purchase, delivery and installation of 1,000 portable air conditioners for qualifying households of seniors and/or young families, but private donors are also encouraged to contribute to the fund over the next six weeks.
Recipients of the air conditioners will be chosen in a random draw. Candidates are invited to apply by April 21 if they meet specified income and demographic criteria, and live in an apartment building that does not provide in-suite cooling and is at least three storeys in height.
A member of the applicant’s household must be:
- at least 65 years old with a health condition, or
- pregnant; or
- an infant less than one-year-old when the application is submitted.
Eligible net household annual income thresholds are set at no greater than: $30,255 for a single individual; $42,787 for two people; $52,402 for three people; or $60,510 for four people.
Applications can be submitted online, in person or via phone. Recipients will be notified in May.
“Last year’s historic heat waves were a reminder of the impact extreme weather events have. These air conditioners will be a necessary support for Toronto residents,” says Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
