Asbestos discovery at Saskatoon's Cosmo Civic Centre prompts more inspections

The City of Saskatoon says it appears protocols to report, remove or shield asbestos found at worksites were not followed during renovations at the Cosmo Civic Centre.

The city says it has filed a dangerous occurrence report after materials containing asbestos were found on the building's mechanical room floor last month. The building's heating and cooling systems in the room have been under renovation since last May.

Once the asbestos-containing materials were spotted in December, the city says it sealed the room off and provided support and health information for its employees.

It also says it tested the mechanical room's air quality and found its ratio of fibres to cubic centimetres was 200 times better than permissible levels. Then, the area was cleared by a certified contractor.

City accelerating Asbestos Management Program

Following the incident, the city says it's ramping up its Asbestos Management Program. Of 55 buildings in total, there are still six buildings that need inspection for asbestos. It's now adding hazard signs to the six remaining buildings, and scheduling formal inspections. 

It says the Cosmo Civic Centre and other city buildings are safe to visit.