ACORN Hamilton hosts die in ahead of another delay on max heat bylaw report
Posted June 17, 2026
ACORN Hamilton members hosted a 50+ person press conference in front of City Hall before the June 16th Planning Committee to oppose the city’s delay of reporting back on maximum heat bylaw recommendations.
Council passed a motion in 2023 for the City of Hamilton to develop a “maximum heat bylaw” to protect tenants from extreme heat in their apartments. The bylaw would be similar to the existing property standard that requires a minimum heat of 20 °C between September 15 – May 15. ACORN wants to see a maximum temperature set of 26 °C all year round.
Yesterday instead of the expected report back, staff shared that the recommendations for the committee would be moved to September 29th 2026. ACORN strongly opposes any delays that would risk the bylaw not being drafted this term.
The press conference was led by downtown secretary Pauline Roberts and co-chair Marc Davignon. We heard from our allies Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch, Ian Borsuk from Environment Hamilton, Don McLean from Hamilton 350, Karl Andrus from Hamilton Community Benefits Network and Chris Heidebrecht from McMaster University.
After speeches Marc chanted “HEAT KILLS” and ACORN members dropped to the ground holding signs with extreme heat facts.
At the committee we had 10 ACORN members delegate (7 in person, 1 pre recorded video & 2 written) along with 4 allies (Environment Hamilton, Canadian Environmental Law Association, HCBN & Chris Heidebrecht). Members gave passionate delegations about the impacts of extreme heat in their homes and why we need Council to get a bylaw on the books this term.
Despite push back from some Councillors – the delay till September was received.
Good thing Hamilton’s new chant from our recent National convention is “Hamilton never quits!” Leaders will report back to their chapters, connect with allies, reach back out to city staff and get ready for the September committee meeting.
