New Westminster, B.C. – Community First is once again setting the standard for renter protection and climate resilience. In May, New Westminster City Council approved Community First’s groundbreaking bylaw amendment requiring landlords and property owners to maintain at least one living space in an occupied rental unit at a safe temperature of 26 degrees Celsius or less.

"Everyone deserves a safe home, especially during extreme weather events," said Councillor Tasha Henderson. "The tragic loss of 33 New Westminster residents during the 2021 heat dome underscored the urgent need for action. These bylaws are about learning from that tragedy and ensuring renters have the protections they need as our climate continues to change."

New Westminster's leadership is already influencing action elsewhere. This week, the City of Kamloops approved a similar bylaw aimed at protecting tenants from dangerous indoor temperatures, reflecting growing recognition across British Columbia that extreme heat is a public health issue requiring local action.

Property owners are encouraged to conduct cooling audits and work proactively with tenants to identify solutions that best fit their buildings. Low-cost options such as thermal curtains, window films, portable air conditioners, fans, air sealing, and HVAC maintenance can all contribute to safer indoor temperatures.

If indoor temperatures are not maintained, Bylaw Services will work collaboratively with property owners to establish compliance plans and implementation timelines.

Community First’s safe cool room measure builds on a 2025 bylaw that prohibited landlords from restricting cooling devices such as air conditioners. Together, the two bylaws represent one of the most comprehensive municipal approaches to tenant heat protection in British Columbia.

The bylaw is part of a broader effort by the City to respond to the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable residents. Since the 2021 heat dome, the City has strengthened emergency preparedness measures, identified high-risk buildings and populations, expanded cooling resources, and introduced new policies to reduce heat-related risks.

With these changes, New Westminster continues to demonstrate that protecting residents, supporting renters, and preparing for climate impacts can go hand in hand; creating a healthier, safer community for everyone.