Housing advocates call on Calgary to protect renters from extreme heat

Local housing advocates want the City of Calgary to do their part in protecting renters from extreme heat.

As the city deals with reoccurring spouts of intense heat this summer, Calgary’s chapter of Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) is demanding the city create a ‘maximum heat bylaw’ that would set a maximum heat allowance in rental units.

It wants rules put in place for landlords that would set the maximum allowed heat in rental units at 26 C.

“Tenants have little control over the temperature in their apartments,” ACORN Tenant Union Representative Abi Martin said in a statement. “When a heat wave hits, it goes from being just too hot to unbearable.”

“For the seniors and disabled residents in these buildings, who are isolated and facing rent increases, a big heat wave can be deadly. That’s why ACORN is calling on the City of Calgary to explore ways to work with tenants and landlords to ensure the buildings are kept reasonably cool and safe.”

The group says this is critical especially for low-to-moderate renters in aging apartment complexes.

ACORN Calgary recently held a rally outside a Beltline apartment complex to raise awareness of the issue and put pressure on city council.

The group launched its municipal platform earlier this year, calling on Calgary to introduce policy changes aimed at protecting low-to-moderate income renters.