Kinesiology B

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all users, an independent environmental consultant will conduct annual condition assessments of the asbestos-containing spray-applied fireproofing and air monitoring in KNB. The consultant will continue to work closely with the University of Calgary and provide recommendations as appropriate.

On March 6, a water leak impacted a portion of the main floor ceiling space spanning the north side of the fitness centre (KNB 154) and south side of the sports medicine area (KNB 114). 

An external restoration contractor was mobilized to remove damaged ceiling tiles and begin drying out wet building materials. Simultaneously, an independent, environmental consultant was engaged to conduct air monitoring due to the presence of asbestos-containing spray-applied fire proofing in the ceiling space above ceiling tiles. The air monitoring results indicated that air quality had not been compromised and the areas were safe for occupancy. 

Proactive cleanup activities in Kinesiology B have been completed on schedule and with minimal impacts to occupants. All cleaned up spaces have reopened following clearances from the independent environmental consultant.

The safety and health of our students, faculty, staff and community members remains our top priority as we determine the next steps. 

Cleanup in and around the Outdoor Centre has been completed and activities will now shift to other areas within Kinesiology B. This includes the Human Performance Lab, the Fitness Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology office spaces and various other locations. All cleanup activities in Kinesiology B are expected to be completed by mid-January.

An external abatement contractor will complete the cleanup following Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Legislation and the Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual (2019). An independent environmental consultant will oversee the work, conducting air monitoring and site inspections to maintain the safety of workers and individuals in and around the work areas.

During the cleanup, access to work areas will be restricted and contained to prevent material migration, ensuring the safety of all students, faculty, staff, and community members. Air monitoring will occur before, during, and after the cleanup, and cleaned up areas will reopen following clearance from the independent environmental consultant.

More details about where and when cleanup work will take place, and its anticipated impacts will be shared by email to subscribers of facilities work notices, and posted on this page as it becomes available.

Independent environmental consultants finished a thorough evaluation of the condition of the asbestos-containing spray-applied fireproofing throughout the entire Kinesiology B building. Based on this report, a multiphase workplan is being put in place to address the deterioration of the fireproofing, focusing on our utmost priority: the safety and health of our students, faculty, staff and community. 

The first phase will consist of cleanup activities in locations prioritized in the report, in accordance with the Government of Alberta’s Asbestos Abatement Manual. The cleanup will be completed by a university-approved abatement contractor, and overseen by an independent environmental consultant, who will conduct air monitoring and site inspections. The goal is to finalize cleanup activities in KNB by the start of winter 2024. 

During the cleanup, work areas will be inaccessible and sealed off to prevent any migration of materials and ensure the safety of all students, faculty, staff and community members. Air monitoring will take place before, during and after the work. Cleaned up areas will reopen after receiving air clearances. 

The cleanup phase is essential before we can move on to the next phases, including the removal of the asbestos-containing materials and the application of new, asbestos-free fireproofing. Details for the next phases will be communicated as plans are finalized.  

More details about where and when cleanup work will take place will be shared by email to occupants via facilities work notices, and posted on this page as it becomes available.

This summer, independent environmental consultants will assess the condition of the spray-applied fire proofing in inaccessible areas with hard ceilings (e.g. drywall) in KNB. Safety measures and air monitoring will be put in place throughout the inspections to ensure there is no risk to our community.  

Once completed, we will have a full building condition assessment that will help determine the scope of the asbestos abatement work. This will allow us to carefully strategize and schedule the asbestos removal to minimize impacts to teaching, research and operations. We anticipate having a work plan ready by fall 2023.

Air monitoring in KNB has been completed and results indicate there is no exposure to airborne asbestos fibres. Planning for the removal of the asbestos-containing spray-applied fire proofing is underway.

In an effort to enhance the accuracy of the university's inventory of asbestos-containing materials, additional sampling of materials for asbestos fibres was conducted in select buildings on campus, including Kinesiology B (KNB). Asbestos was identified in the spray-applied fire proofing in KNB. The university has been assessing the situation to ensure community members are protected from hazards. Air monitoring samples collected in KNB in 2021 have demonstrated there is no exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.

Recent inspections have identified some areas in KNB where the spray-applied fire proofing is starting to deteriorate. Additional air quality testing is currently underway and initial results confirm there continues to be no exposure to airborne asbestos fibres. The university has proactively decided to plan for the removal of the asbestos-containing spray-applied fire proofing from KNB. More information about where and when abatement work will begin will be posted on this page as it becomes available.

The University of Calgary prioritizes the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community members. Our comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan supports us in managing all identified asbestos-containing materials in university owned facilities, as well as activities that may disturb these materials, including maintenance, renovations, demolition and repairs. All asbestos abatement work will be conducted by certified third-party asbestos abatement contractors and the work will be monitored by independent environmental monitoring consultants to ensure health and safety standards are upheld. Air monitoring will be conducted throughout abatement activities.

We are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students, faculty, staff and community members.