Kingston residents aged 65 and older who meet income guidelines can now apply for a free portable air conditioner through a new City pilot program. The Residential Air Conditioner Assistance Program launched on May 27, 2026, with applications closing on June 10 at 4 p.m.
The program is open to older adults living in multi-residential buildings who fall below certain income levels and self-declare that a medical professional has advised them to get an air conditioner for a health condition. For a single-person household, the threshold is $34,793, while a two-person household can have a combined income up to $49,205. These figures are based on Statistics Canada’s after-tax Low-Income Measure plus 15 percent.
Kingston City Council approved $17,000 from the Environmental Reserve Fund for the pilot at its April 21, 2026 meeting. The City of Kingston has teamed up with United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington to distribute the units. Volunteers will deliver the air conditioners and offer optional help with setup at no cost to those chosen.
People can apply online or drop off a paper form at five City locations: Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, Housing and Social Services, INVISTA Centre, Kingston East Community Centre, and Rideau Heights Community Centre. A random draw will select the winners during the week of June 15, 2026. Those picked will be notified and connected with the United Way for delivery.
The program grew out of a push by Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN! Kingston), who spoke to Council about the need for cooling help for low-income older adults. It is part of a wider City effort to build a Community Heat Response Plan after a February 2025 Council motion to tackle dangerously hot indoor temperatures in rental units. City staff will track how well the pilot works through the end of 2026 and report back to Council to shape future heat safety measures.
