Radon testing in Winnipeg

Health Canada's 2012 survey found 12.1% of 66 homes tested in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority health region above the guideline. The larger 2024 Cross-Canada survey reports 37.4% (1 in 3) of houses at or above the guideline for the Winnipeg, MB (Winnipeg CMA) metro area.

The two surveys aren't directly comparable: the 2024 study pooled about 69,000 volunteer tests and more of them were taken in basements, which partly explains its higher numbers. Neither can tell you about a single house, because neighbouring homes can differ widely.

• Use a long-term test of at least three months, with most of it in the heating season, which gives the most conservative result.
• Place the detector in the lowest level you spend four or more hours a day in, away from drafts, and follow the kit's instructions.
• If the result is above 200 Bq/m³, Health Canada recommends fixing it within a year, sooner if it's much higher.

Our full radon testing guide.

• The Manitoba Lung Association sells long-term kits and runs a library lending program, and Manitoba Hydro's Home Energy Efficiency Loan can finance radon mitigation up to $5,000 (C-NRPP-certified contractor required).
• For a professional measurement or mitigation, search the C-NRPP directory by your Winnipeg postal code; it lists certified measurement and mitigation professionals.

• Manitoba's building code (the 2020 National Building Code) requires a soil-gas barrier and a radon rough-in in new homes.
• The Canadian Lung Association's Lungs Matter program offers up to $1,500 toward mitigation for households with low to moderate incomes or a lung cancer diagnosis.
• If your level is high, mitigation (usually a sub-slab depressurization fan system installed by a C-NRPP-certified professional) typically costs $2,000–$4,000.