How Yellowknife is built
- Before 1961 3%
- 1961–1990 54%
- 1991–2000 21%
- 2001 or later 22%
Where asbestos shows up in Yellowknife houses
Of Yellowknife's 5,225 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 3% were built before 1961 and 57% 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 Northwest Territories
The NWT's Asbestos Abatement Code of Practice calls a building survey an important step before renovating or demolishing pre-1980 buildings, and asbestos waste must be handled as hazardous waste.
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 Yellowknife
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 Northwest Territories: WSCC's Asbestos Abatement Code of Practice sets the requirements for the work, and asbestos waste must be managed as hazardous waste in sealed, impervious containers.
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 Yellowknife: common questions
Do I need an asbestos test before renovating in Yellowknife?
If the house was built before 1991 and the work will disturb insulation, flooring, plaster or duct wrap, test first. The NWT's Asbestos Abatement Code of Practice calls a building survey an important step before renovating or demolishing pre-1980 buildings, and asbestos waste must be handled as hazardous waste.
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 Northwest Territories?
WSCC's Asbestos Abatement Code of Practice sets the requirements for the work, and asbestos waste must be managed as hazardous waste in sealed, impervious containers.