B.C. health authorities ask landlords to remove air conditioning, cooling barriers

Health authorities in B.C. are encouraging building officials and landlords to remove barriers that prevent residents from staying cool during heat events.

As a news release from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) explains, Public Health at the VCH and Fraser Health have issued guidance that takes aim at helping prevent more heat-related deaths.

“Historically in the Lower Mainland, rental and strata housing units have tenancy agreements, or strata bylaws, that can prevent the installation of air conditioning and other cooling measures, sometimes because of concerns about the building envelope, power usage, or aesthetics,” Dr. Michael Schwandt, a VCH Medical Health Officer, said.

“However summers are now getting hotter in the Lower Mainland and we all need to reconsider previous practices,” he added.

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The guidance has been sent out to landlords, building managers, and residential strata corporations for dissemination.

It includes having cooling rooms for residents during heat events, putting up information posters, and pushing for changes to strata rules if they inhibit cooling methods.

In June, the B.C. government announced a $10 million dollar BC Hydro program to provide 8,000 air conditioners to some low-income earners and seniors.

The announcement came during the two-year anniversary of the deadly heat dome, during which 619 people died, many of whom were elderly and living on their own.

As the province continues to see hot weather, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is encouraging people to take steps toward helping keep others safe.

“In recent years, B.C. has experienced prolonged periods of hot temperatures with minimal overnight cooling,” she said.

“We encourage everyone to remain mindful that high indoor temperatures can be dangerous, especially to vulnerable people and those more susceptible to heat-related illness. Ensuring people are able to access a cool place in their home or residence is important to prevent heat-related illness during these increasingly frequent heat events.”

Those most at risk to the heat include seniors and those with pre-existing health conditions.

With files from Greg Bowman