What to know
- The City of Toronto is reopening its Air Conditioner Assistance Program, offering at least 1,000 free units to low-income residents, with applications open April 7–21.
- Eligibility includes vulnerable groups such as seniors with health needs, pregnant people, and caregivers of infants.
- The program was expanded with an extra $1 million in funding after a successful pilot, as Environment and Climate Change Canada warns summer 2026 could be among the hottest on record.
For the second year in a row, the City of Toronto is bringing back free air conditioners for low income residents.
In a news release on Tuesday, the city announced that applications for its Air Conditioner Assistance Program will be open from April 7 to April 21. At least 1,000 air conditioners will be available for grabs.
To qualify for the program, applicants must be low-income and live in a multi-residential building. Eligible Toronto residents include those 65 years and older with health-related needs, those who are pregnant and new parents or caregivers of babies.
In 2025, the Air Conditioner Assistance Program was piloted to seniors with health-related needs and distributed almost 500 units. Due to its success, Toronto City Council has given the program an extra $1 million, which funds the A/C units, delivery, and installation.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, this summer is predicted to be “among the four hottest years on record,” nearing the record-breaking heat Torontonians experienced in 2024. Temperatures are expected to sit at 1.35 C to 1.53 C above pre-industrial levels.
Successful applicants to the program will be selected through a random draw and they will be notified in May. Details about the application process and the application form can be found at the City of Toronto website.
