How Whitehorse is built
- Before 1961 8%
- 1961–1990 41%
- 1991–2000 16%
- 2001 or later 35%
Where asbestos shows up in Whitehorse houses
Of Whitehorse's 9,485 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 8% were built before 1961 and 48% 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 Yukon
Yukon requires a competent person to identify asbestos and lead before a building is demolished, with removal by a certified asbestos control contractor.
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 Whitehorse
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 Yukon: Removal is done by an asbestos control contractor certified by an accredited agency, who takes bagged waste to a pre-arranged landfill where it's covered right away.
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 Whitehorse: common questions
Do I need an asbestos test before renovating in Whitehorse?
If the house was built before 1991 and the work will disturb insulation, flooring, plaster or duct wrap, test first. Yukon requires a competent person to identify asbestos and lead before a building is demolished, with removal by a certified asbestos control contractor.
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 Yukon?
Removal is done by an asbestos control contractor certified by an accredited agency, who takes bagged waste to a pre-arranged landfill where it's covered right away.