Heat wave hits Toronto

Photo: The Canadian Press

With temperatures expected to top 30 C this weekend and humidex values forecast to be pushing 40 degrees, Toronto's ombudsman is calling on the city's landlords to "turn off the heat."

Ombudsman Susan Opler says residential landlords across Toronto should immediately turn off the heat in their buildings until the current heat wave is over.

Opler says she is concerned by reports that some landlords believe the city requires them to turn on the heat in their buildings as of Sept. 15, regardless of the temperature outside.

She says this presents a real risk to the health and safety of tenants.

Opler says city officials are trying to determine whether any city policies, practices or actions have contributed to the problem.