Formal Request for a Comprehensive Review of Toronto Public Health’s Role and Responsibilities in Regulating Indoor Air Quality

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The decision

2026-02-23 · Board of Health · amended

As filed

The Board of Health: 1. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to work with the Executive Director, Environment Climate and Forestry to improve access to the Air Conditioning Assistance Program for cooling devices, including improving knowledge of the program with community partners and eligible individuals across Toronto to support access to the program. 2. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to review existing indoor air quality and ventilation guidance including information from Health Canada.

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3. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to review roles and responsibilities for partners involved in indoor air quality, including Ministry of Education, School Boards and Health Canada. 4. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to engage with relevant stakeholders and community partners. 5. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to report back to the Board of Health in Q3 2026 with the outcomes of this work.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

Over the past few years, Toronto has experienced a spike in extreme heat events and smoke from wildfires, causing our city's residents to become increasingly concerned about the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) and on health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic also focused attention on indoor air quality with regard to preventing the spread of airborne diseases. At the Board of Health, we have increasingly heard deputations from concerned residents seeking reassurance that Toronto Public Health is aware of indoor air quality best practices and is actively taking steps to ensure that this aspect of public health is being managed and regulated as best as possible.

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As Chair of the Board of Health I am now adding my voice to theirs, and I invite you to join me in formally requesting a comprehensive review of existing indoor air quality guidance and responsibilities by our Medical Officer of Health in order to provide greater clarity around our Board's role, capabilities, and best practices for taking action on indoor air quality.

Staff recommended

The Board of Health request the Medical Officer of Health to: Review existing indoor air quality and ventilation guidance including information from Health Canada; Review roles and responsibilities for partners involved in indoor air quality, including Ministry of Education, School Boards and Health Canada; Engage with relevant stakeholders and community partners; and Report back to the Board of Health in Q3 2026 with the outcomes of this work.

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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