Construction Schedule

Phase II: 2024 decommission

Update: June 20, 2024

Internal decommissioning of Varsity Courts partial 600 and 1000 courts and remaining 900 and 1100 courts (Phase II) will take place mid-June 2024. This process will include asbestos abatement.

The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is paramount to the university. As Health Canada states, “if the asbestos fibers are enclosed or tightly bound in a compound, there is no significant health risk.” These materials are tightly bound in the Varsity Courts units and therefore, the units are safe for occupancy.

The health risk is considered minimal for asbestos-containing materials (ACM) that are in good condition and/or in an inaccessible location and/or protected from damage. As asbestos must be inhaled to cause disease, which means that intact and undisturbed ACM present no direct health hazard.

It is important to note that the ACM is not the drywall, but the mudding that is used to seal joints between drywall panels to make the surface smooth for painting. The exposure is considered low if the material remains undisturbed. The cement board is located outdoors in garbage bin areas. Potential exposure to asbestos fibres released from this product is also considered to be low.

A qualified asbestos abatement contractor has been hired to safely remove the identified asbestos-containing materials (ACM), prior to decommissioning the units, in accordance with standards outlined by Provincial Occupational Health and Safety, the Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Work will be taking place this month. You may see safeguarding placed over and around units, workers using special tools and wearing special clothing and equipment. These precautions are in place to keep everyone safe during abatement. You will see notifications and/or caution tape to advise anyone of the work being conducted and to prevent anyone from entering an area where asbestos removal is being conducted. For your safety and the safety of others, please respect these signs. 

For more information, please visit our Varsity Courts FAQ’s site or contact the University District 24-hour Construction Hotline at 1-855-400-5556 for questions or concerns about safety and construction in University District.