How Saanich is built
- Before 1961 28%
- 1961–1990 50%
- 1991–2000 11%
- 2001 or later 11%
Where asbestos shows up in Saanich houses
Of Saanich's 37,620 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 28% were built before 1961 and 78% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census.
- Vermiculite attic insulation: loose, pebbly, grey-brown or silver-gold granules.
- Vinyl floor tiles and their adhesive, textured ceilings and some plaster.
- Duct wrap and pipe insulation on older heating systems.
The rules in British Columbia
B.C. has Canada's strictest regime: before renovation or demolition work, a qualified person must inspect and sample for hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead (OHS Regulation s. 20.112), and since January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed by WorkSafeBC.
Whatever the rules, don't sand, cut or remove suspect material yourself before it's tested.
Testing and labs
A trained assessor takes small samples, and an accredited lab analyzes them; plan on about $50–$150 per sample. Asbestos labs in Canada are typically accredited under NIST's NVLAP program.
Our asbestos and vermiculite guide · Attic inspections in Saanich
If it's positive: abatement and removal
Leave the material alone until a plan is in place. For vermiculite, Health Canada says not to use the attic for storage, to keep children out and to seal gaps around the attic hatch, light fixtures and outlets, and to hire professionals trained to handle asbestos if you plan to renovate.
In British Columbia: Since January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed by WorkSafeBC, which publishes a registry of licensed contractors, and anyone doing abatement work needs mandatory training and a certificate. Hazardous materials found in the pre-renovation inspection must be safely contained or removed.
Abatement is quoted separately from testing. Get two or three written quotes that describe containment, what will be removed and how the waste will be disposed of.
Asbestos and vermiculite testing in Saanich: common questions
Do I need an asbestos test before renovating in Saanich?
If the house was built before 1991 and the work will disturb insulation, flooring, plaster or duct wrap, test first. B.C. has Canada's strictest regime: before renovation or demolition work, a qualified person must inspect and sample for hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead (OHS Regulation s. 20.112), and since January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed by WorkSafeBC.
How much does asbestos testing cost?
About $50–$150 per lab sample, plus the assessor's visit. Abatement, if needed, is quoted separately.
What should I do if I have vermiculite in the attic?
Leave it alone, keep the attic closed, and have it sampled before any attic work. Health Canada advises against disturbing it or removing it yourself.
Who removes asbestos in British Columbia?
Since January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed by WorkSafeBC, which publishes a registry of licensed contractors, and anyone doing abatement work needs mandatory training and a certificate. Hazardous materials found in the pre-renovation inspection must be safely contained or removed.