Old Buildings – New Problems

Municipalities and levels of government across Ontario and the GTA are struggling with the legacy of asbestos – decades after it was banned from use in construction. Two current cases illustrate the dilemma.

In Hamilton, the HWDSB (Hamilton Wentworth District School Board) has put ambitious plans to renovate all the city’s high schools on hold after asbestos was discovered at Sherwood High. The asbestos was discovered last summer during renovations to add new science labs and has resulted in prolonged wrangling and public debate. The city has tried to reassure staff and students that there is no immediate danger but the extent of asbestos in the school seems to have taken the Board by surprise.

In Kingston, a historic public school is now slated for demolition after the local council wrestled with what to do with the now-vacant property. Built in the 1930s with an addition in 1967, the building was initially considered for repurposing, possibly for use as a senior’s centre. However, after a detailed inspection, officials decided the problems would cost more than the building itself to remediate, including:

• Asbestos 9×9 tiles;
• Asbestos pipe insulation;
• Asbestos ceiling tiles.

Asbestos in Your Old House?
Old public buildings and dwindling maintenance budgets over many years are a recipe for a variety of ills. It also means that longstanding asbestos issues are not addressed, resulting in the kind of situations described above.

When it comes to your own home, you have a choice. Asbestos is not considered to be dangerous to your health if the material is intact. However, asbestos in your home is now decades old and while the mineral itself is nearly indestructible, it is often found in compounds with other materials – vinyl, concrete – that are not. It can also be damaged during renovations or even installation of home theatre components and home alarms.

Don’t take chances!
Be safe and not sorry. We can help. If you have asbestos your home, our experienced asbestos removal and asbestos remediation technicians can help you with your environmental issues. 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.