Beginning July 1, 2023, Niagara-on-the-Lake, along with all Regional municipalities, will be implementing requirements for builders to mitigate Radon Soil Gas in any newly constructed houses, semi-detached homes and townhouses.
Radon is a natural radioactive gas found in Canada, and sadly, exposure to high levels of Radon has been linked to a greater risk of lung cancer. Mitigating this risk will help to prevent health issues for future homebuyers.
Builders will be able to select from one (1) of three (3) options during the construction period of new housing:
- Option 1: Rough-in soil gas pipe and mandatory Radon Soil Gas testing
- Option 2: Radon Soil Gas barrier on the foundation walls and Radon Soil Gas barrier under the basement floor slab
- Option 3: Radon Soil Gas barrier on the foundation walls and active sub-sab depressurization system
“Mitigating the risk of Radon Soil Gas during the construction period will help to ensure that homebuyers are less at risk upon moving into their new homes,” stated Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa. “On behalf of Town Council, thank you to the Niagara Region for leading this initiative, and thank you to Town Staff for implementing it.”
Cities such as Hamilton, Guelph, and Kingston have already implemented Radon Soil Gas control requirements within new housing projects, and the Niagara Region is following in the steps of these larger cities.
“Niagara Region Public Health’s recommendation to control Radon Soil Gas is an excellent step in the right direction toward protecting all future homebuyers,” stated CAO Marnie Cluckie. “Thank you to the Town’s Building Department for championing this mitigation tactic. The future of housing looks bright as we take these strides in risk reduction.”
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Media contact:
Marah Minor, Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com