Ontario is proposing to increase fines for long-term care homes that do not have functioning air conditioning installed in every resident’s room to a maximum of $25,000.

Legislation passed in 2021 required homes to install air conditioning in all residents’ rooms by June, 2022.

The largest fine imposed to date for non-compliance was $1,100 each for two long-term care homes in London and Sarnia.

A spokesperson for Long-Term Care Minister Paul Calandra says the province is proposing to increase the fines ahead of the summer to let homes know the government is serious about the issue.

A government document reveals that 591 of 627 long-term care homes are in compliance with the law, meaning 36 others still have not met with provincial requirements.