The Victoria Tenants Union, represented by Harland Bird, is…

The Victoria Tenants Union, represented by Harland Bird, is asking Victoria council at its May 14, 2026 meeting to explore strategies and resources to require cooling in all rental buildings. The motion would direct staff to report back on how such a requirement could be implemented, potentially through a bylaw amendment. Correspondence themes indicate tenant concern about heat vulnerability and landlord responsibility, with a focus on maintaining affordable rents alongside habitability protections. The Victoria Tenants Union formed in mid-2023 to advocate for renter protections, as covered by the Times Colonist at that time (Times Colonist). The group has since held rallies, including one in April 2025 calling for stronger tenant protections during redevelopment (victoriatenantsunion.ca). The cooling motion represents a new policy ask, not previously part of the union's public campaigns. If council directs staff to proceed, a report on cooling requirements would likely return to committee by late 2026, with a possible bylaw amendment ready for public hearing and adoption in early 2027.

Victoria's Official Community Plan amendment application by the Victoria Tenant's Union, concerning an undisclosed property address, is scheduled for a public hearing on May 14, 2026. The proposed amendment seeks to modify land use policies to support tenant protections across the city. A decision has not yet been issued.