As another round of extreme heat grips southern Quebec, air conditioning companies say demand for cooling systems is soaring as residents seek relief from sweltering temperatures.
A heat warning remained in effect Thursday across parts of the province, including Montreal, where the humidex was expected to climb above 40 degrees Celsius. Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast daytime highs between 31 C and 33 C through Friday, with overnight temperatures between 20 C and 24 C providing little relief.
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For many Montrealers, air conditioning has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
“I will not survive without AC,” said Montrealer Sarah-Anne Léger, who said temperatures inside her home can reach 32 C or 33 C without air conditioning.
Léger has been taking shelter at her mother’s home during the heat wave, waiting for her air conditioning unit to be installed.
Another resident, Ka’Syn Hilaire, said the heat recently became unbearable.
“I was in my room and I thought I was going to pass out,” he said, adding that he bought an air conditioner just a day earlier because “it got bad.”
The prolonged stretch of hot and humid weather has translated into a sharp increase in business for air conditioning companies.
“It’s good for business, but it’s a little bit tough on people,” said Denis Nosach, co-owner of AT Climatisation. “We’ve noticed that people are a little bit more impatient.”
His business partner, Alexandre Renaud, said crews are now completing “anywhere between five and 10 jobs a day,” with some employees working double installations to keep up with demand.
“It’s very, very long days and it’s hard on the guys as well,” he said.
The company has nearly doubled the size of its fleet over the past year in an effort to meet demand.
“Last year we had about six trucks. This year we’re at 11,” Nosach said. “It’s definitely a big investment, but it’s just to try to respond to the demand.”
To help customers waiting for permanent installations, the company has also begun lending portable air conditioners until crews can return to install full systems.
While many Quebecers are finding relief indoors, advocates say not everyone has access to adequate cooling.
“The biggest concern would be twofold,” said Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission. “People who are unhoused are sometimes at greater risk for heat stroke because they’re outside and if they’re not accessing air conditioning or shade, that can be a bad thing.”
Watts said the organization also worries about vulnerable residents living alone without proper ventilation or air conditioning.
“What we do every year, whenever it gets hot, is we prepare,” he said. “We make sure that we’re well-equipped with lots of water, and we make sure that the people accessing our services are informed of the things they need to do.”
For Montrealer Jennifer Ortiz, having an air conditioner has made all the difference.
“It’s fine because I have AC,” she said. “But if you do not have it, it will be so difficult for me to sleep all night through.”
Even with an air conditioner, she said the prolonged heat has been exhausting.
“Really strong,” Ortiz said. “Yesterday I dreamed about the winter… about the snow.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada is urging residents to drink water regularly, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and check on older adults, people living alone and others at greater risk of heat-related illness.
Relief is expected to arrive beginning Saturday, when temperatures and humidity are forecast to ease across southern Quebec.
