Asbestos in Ottawa Homes: What It Is, When It Was Used, and Where to Look

Aug 28

Asbestos still shows up in many Ottawa homes, especially older ones. This guide explains what asbestos is, when it was commonly used in Canada, where you might encounter it in a house, and what to do next. It is written for buyers, sellers, and homeowners planning repairs or renovations.

Quick facts

Asbestos was widely used in Canadian homes before 1990. It was valued for insulation, fire resistance, and strength.
The federal ban on importing, selling, and using asbestos and most asbestos-containing products came into force on December 30, 2018.
Asbestos is a risk when fibres become airborne, which usually happens when materials are cut, sanded, drilled, deteriorated, or removed without controls.

A short history of asbestos use in Canadian housing

Manufacturers added asbestos to many building products through much of the 20th century. Use peaked mid-century and declined from the 1970s onward as health risks became better known. By 1990, many residential products no longer contained asbestos, but older stock and previous installations remain in place across existing homes.

Canada’s Prohibition of Asbestos and Products Containing Asbestos Regulations were published in October 2018 and took effect on December 30, 2018. These regulations prohibit the import, sale, and use of asbestos and the manufacture, import, sale, and use of most products containing asbestos, with limited exclusions.

When Asbestos Use in Homes Started

Early 1900s: Small-scale use in insulation, cement, and fireproofing products began in North America.

1940s–1950s: Widespread residential use ramped up, especially post-WWII during Ottawa’s housing boom.

1960s–1980s (Peak): Asbestos was used extensively in construction materials, especially for insulation, drywall, flooring, and roofing.

1990s: New home construction largely stopped using asbestos products, though some stock materials were installed into the early 1990s.

In Ottawa, homes built before ~1990 are the ones with the highest chance of asbestos-containing materials. The older the home (especially pre-1975), the higher the likelihood.

Where asbestos may be in an Ottawa home

Kevin Morris, agent at New Purveyors, notes that many attractive central neighbourhoods have pre-1990 housing. Renovations on these properties often uncover older flooring, textured ceilings, or pipe wrap. Source: Kevin Morris, Sales Representative, New Purveyors.

Frequently asked questions

Is asbestos always dangerous?
Risk depends on fibre release. Intact materials that are sealed and left undisturbed generally pose minimal risk. Disturbance increases risk.

What about vermiculite insulation?
Some vermiculite, particularly from historical sources, was contaminated with asbestos. If you have vermiculite, treat it as suspect. Avoid disturbing it and test before any work.

My home was built after 1990. Do I need to worry?
The likelihood is lower, but renovations may expose older layers or reused materials. When in doubt, test.

Is asbestos banned in Canada now?
Yes. The federal prohibition on asbestos and most asbestos-containing products has been in place since December 30, 2018.

The bottom line

Asbestos is common in older Ottawa homes. The key is to identify, plan, and work safely. Testing before you renovate is the safest and most cost-effective approach.

If you are buying or selling an older home and want a practical plan, reach out to Kevin Morris at New Purveyors for local guidance on what to check, how to budget, and how to avoid renovation delays. Source: Kevin Morris, Sales Representative, New Purveyors.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional inspection, testing, legal advice, or abatement services.