With winter settling in, Toronto is facing a chilling predicament as some residents endure freezing temperatures not just outdoors, but also inside their own homes due to a lack of heating. At 2255 Weston Road, residents have been grappling with the absence of heat since Sunday, forcing them to brave the cold indoors. Tawfeeque Elmi recounts how even with a space heater, his son’s bedroom remains a mere 15 degrees, prompting the family to huddle together for warmth through the night.
The dire situation has left young Mahad shivering, bundled up in winter gear within his own home. The lack of adequate heating has not only caused discomfort but also fear among the residents, including Elmi, who worries about his family’s well-being when he’s away at work.
Toronto mandates landlords to maintain a minimum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius in rental units from October to May. Despite this regulation, the property management company at 2255 Weston Road has failed to provide heat, with both the company and building supervisor remaining unresponsive.
While some residents have been provided with space heaters, attempts to use them often result in power outages, exacerbating the already harsh living conditions. The City of Toronto has stepped in by issuing a property standards order for the repair of the boiler system, yet as of now, the building continues to lack adequate heating.
The struggles faced by residents extend beyond Weston Road, with other buildings like those at St. Clair and Bathurst also experiencing heating issues since October. Rebecca Torres, a resident at 1531 & 1535 Bathurst Street, describes the distressing conditions of indoor temperatures as low as 9 to 10 degrees, likening the experience to camping within their own apartments.
Residents have voiced frustration over the poor communication from management, adding to their emotional strain from enduring the cold constantly. Hazelview Properties, managing the affected buildings, initially remained silent on the matter but later claimed that heating had been restored. However, doubts linger among residents, with concerns raised about the efficacy of the temporary heating solution implemented.