The BC government is allocating $10 million to provide up to 8,000 free air conditioning units to vulnerable people to protect them during future extreme heat events.
A death review panel from the province’s coroner’s office found that most of the 619 people who died in BC’s heat dome event in 2021 were low-income and vulnerable people aged 60. years and older.
The review found that 98% of deaths occurred indoors, in homes without adequate cooling by air conditioners or fans.
“More than half of those who died were living alone,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. Many of them (lived) in areas where material and social concerns are higher. That’s why this program will start by supporting low-income and vulnerable people who are at higher risk of heat-related impacts. »
One of the committee’s main recommendations was that the government provide air conditioning units for people living in one-room apartments.
Dix said this funding for British Columbia Hydro will provide up to 8,000 air conditioning units over the next three years, but if demand increases, that number could grow as well.
People will be able to apply for the units on their own, or health officials working with older people can help them get one.
It is expected that at least 50% of the air conditioning units will be installed in apartments or multi-unit buildings, with the rest in single-family dwellings, the health ministry said in a statement.
“This means that the most vulnerable people will have access to cooling devices when we experience high temperatures and will be able to protect themselves and their loved ones from extreme heat,” the minister said at a press conference.
Hydro Chairman Chris O’Reilly said the utility will also offer all customers a $50 rebate on the purchase of qualified, energy-efficient air conditioning units, with rebates available through July 28.
Dix said the strategies were a good and necessary step and part of a “comprehensive response” to the problem.