Cities Fight Summer Heat with New Rules

0:00Two Metro Vancouver cities are stepping up against killer summer heat. New West Minster just passed by law as forcing landlords to keep at least one room in rental apartments at 26 degrees Celsius or cooler from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Vancouver's handing out a $500,000 grant to upgrade single-room occupancy buildings with cooling and warming, spaces. These moves come right after the 2021 heat dome that hit hard. New West Minster, that event caused the highest deaths per person in the province, mostly in older rentals where folks baked inside. Leaders like Mayor Patrick Johnstone point out renters get protection from freezing winters, but nothing for scorching summers. Counselors cheered the rules, which also banned blocking air conditioners and they're adding staff for inspections and tenant checks. Meanwhile, Vancouver's grant targets six private single-room occupancy spots in the downtown east side. To fund heat pumps, water filters, and cooling rooms that double as winter warmers for vulnerable

1:01folks living in tough conditions. Advocates call this groundbreaking, especially New West Minster's Max Timb rule, the first in Canada. With consultations ahead and heat domes looming, these cities are fliving the script on home safety before the next wave hits. Stay informed with Vancouver News Today, AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.