Asbestos was not banned in Calgary in a single year. Instead, its use declined over time through provincial regulations, federal controls, and industry changes across Canada.
In practice, asbestos-containing building materials were commonly used in Calgary homes until the late 1980s. By the early 1990s, asbestos was no longer standard in residential construction. A full federal ban on the import, sale, and use of asbestos in Canada did not take effect until 2018.
Because of this phased timeline, homes built before 1991 are still recommended for asbestos testing before renovation or demolition.
Was Asbestos Ever Banned Specifically in Calgary?
No. Calgary has never had a city-specific asbestos ban.
Asbestos regulation in Calgary follows provincial Alberta occupational health and safety rules and federal Canadian product regulations. That means there is no single Calgary bylaw or construction cutoff year that marks the end of asbestos use.
Instead, Calgary’s asbestos history mirrors broader trends across Alberta and Canada.
When Was Asbestos Used in Calgary Homes?
Asbestos was widely used in residential and commercial construction throughout Calgary from the 1940s through the 1980s.
Common asbestos-containing materials included:
- Vermiculite attic insulation
- Drywall joint compound
- Ceiling texture and popcorn ceilings
- Vinyl floor tile and sheet flooring
- Pipe insulation and boiler wrap
- Cement siding and cement board products
During this period, asbestos was legal, readily available, and considered a normal part of construction due to its fire resistance and durability.
When Did Asbestos Stop Being Used in Construction Materials?
There is no single year when asbestos stopped being used in building materials in Calgary. However, by the late 1980s, asbestos use had sharply declined.
Several things happened during this time:
- Health risks associated with asbestos exposure became widely accepted
- Manufacturers began reformulating products to remove asbestos
- Building suppliers shifted to non-asbestos alternatives
- Contractors adjusted to new industry standards
By the early 1990s, asbestos was no longer a standard ingredient in residential construction materials in Alberta.
Why Do We Say Homes Built Before 1991 Should Be Tested?
The year 1991 is used as a practical safety cutoff, not a legal ban date.
Homes built before 1991 should be tested for asbestos because:
- Asbestos-containing materials were still commonly stocked and installed in the 1980s
- There was no requirement to remove existing asbestos products from shelves
- Contractors were allowed to use remaining asbestos-containing inventory
- Product changeovers varied by manufacturer and supplier
As a result, a home built in 1988 or even 1990 may still contain asbestos, depending on the materials used and when they were purchased.
Testing is the only way to confirm whether asbestos is present.
Did Contractors Keep Using Asbestos After Regulations Changed?
Yes. This is an important and often overlooked detail.
When asbestos began to fall out of favour, existing stock was not immediately banned. Contractors and suppliers were legally allowed to continue using asbestos-containing materials they already had until supplies were exhausted.
This means asbestos use did not stop cleanly at a calendar date. Instead, it tapered off unevenly across regions, projects, and suppliers.
This is one of the main reasons why age-based assumptions alone are unreliable without testing.
When Was Asbestos Fully Banned in Canada?
Canada implemented a comprehensive asbestos ban in 2018.
In that year, the federal government prohibited:
- The import of asbestos
- The sale of asbestos-containing products
- The manufacture of asbestos products
- Most new uses of asbestos nationwide
This ban applies across all provinces, including Alberta, and includes Calgary.
It is important to note that the 2018 ban does not require the removal of existing asbestos from older buildings. Asbestos already installed in homes and commercial structures remains legal as long as it is managed safely.
What This Means for Calgary Homeowners
If your home in Calgary was built before 1991:
- Asbestos may be present in one or more building materials
- Visual inspection alone cannot confirm asbestos
- Renovation or demolition can disturb asbestos if it exists
- Testing before work begins is the safest approach
Asbestos is not dangerous when left undisturbed and in good condition. Risk arises when materials are cut, drilled, sanded, or demolished.
The Bottom Line
Asbestos was never banned overnight in Calgary. Its use declined gradually through the 1980s, became uncommon by the early 1990s, and was fully banned at the federal level in 2018.
That gradual phase-out is why homes built before 1991 are still recommended for asbestos testing today.
