Council greenlights AC pilot program to support vulnerable residents ahead of summer heat

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Council has approved $17,000 from the Environmental Reserve Fund to launch a residential air-conditioner pilot program aimed at supporting vulnerable residents through the summer heat.

The initiative stems from a motion brought forward in March directing staff to explore options for a program as extreme heat events are expected to start in June. Staff returned with a proposed plan at Council’s last meeting.

Drawing on similar programs in Toronto, Hamilton, and Peterborough, staff recommended a one-time investment to bulk purchase air-conditioning units, with approximately 35 units expected to be distributed.

Eligibility will be limited to Kingston residents aged 65 and older, living on low incomes in multi-unit housing, and who have been advised by a medical professional to use air conditioning for health reasons.

City staff will report back in 2027 with an evaluation of the program’s outcomes.

Beyond this pilot, the City is still working through its broader extreme heat strategy, with an interim plan for summer 2026 expected to come to Council in June.

Listen to the full story here.