Asbestos Delays Library Renovations

A simple library renovation has turned into a lengthy nightmare for a Southern Ontario municipality. The culprit? Asbestos.

The library in Dundas, a neighborhood in west Hamilton, has been closed for renovations since September. In November, provincial inspectors visited the site and issued a stop-work order that stipulates that any renovation work must be delayed until all asbestos abatement work is completed.

The Ministry of Labour has visited the site on two subsequent occasions to inspect. The asbestos removal work is taking longer than projected and has been described as “extensive”. Actual renovations are not expected to begin until at least next month.

Asbestos in Old Buildings
The situation is hardly unique. Whether it involves a public building or private residence, any structure built before about the mid-1980s is likely to contain asbestos in one form or another.

While asbestos or asbestos containing materials – as it was often mixed with other substances to make things like floor or ceiling tiles – are considered safe as long as they are intact, anything that disturbs the material can create dust – and friable asbestos.

Even though an asbestos survey isn’t required by law if you are working on your own premises, for your own sake, you need to know where asbestos exists in your home if you are planning:

• Any renovations that involve cutting into walls or disturbing existing structures in any way;
• Installation of home theatre systems;
• Installation of home alarm systems.

• Budget for asbestos removal when you budget for renovations, and then you won’t have the same kind of nasty surprise as Dundas officials are now experiencing.

We Can Help
You can trust the experienced asbestos removal experts and asbestos remediation experts at GreenStream Environmental to take care of the issue for you. In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.