In Ontario, many of our schools aren’t built to handle the kinds of temperatures we’re now seeing in the spring, summer and fall. It’s becoming common for classrooms to reach over 30°C. Students can’t learn, teachers can’t teach, and children’s health is being put at risk. We need to protect our schools, our kids and our educators from this extreme heat.
The Ontario NDP is calling upon the government to develop and fund a comprehensive heat strategy for schools that includes:
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A maximum indoor temperature standard for schools
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Retrofitting schools with air conditioners or heat pumps
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Building upgrades like insulation, energy-efficient windows, cool roofs, and exterior blinds
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Outdoor adaptations such as shade trees and permeable surfaces
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Passive cooling infrastructure including shade structures and misting stations
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Training and guidance for educators on recognizing and responding to heat stress