B.C. tightened its asbestos rules on January 1, 2024. If you own a home, rental, strata unit or commercial building in Kamloops, here's what the rules mean for you, in plain language, with links to the official sources.
1. Contractors must be licensed
As of January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed by WorkSafeBC to operate in B.C., and anyone doing asbestos abatement work must complete mandatory training and hold a certificate. Licences are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. You can check any contractor in the Asbestos Abatement Licence Registry.
2. Owners must check the licence
Section 6.2.3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation puts a duty on owners and prime contractors: before allowing an asbestos abatement contractor to do the work, make sure they hold a valid licence. To be valid, a licence must be issued by WorkSafeBC and not be expired, cancelled, suspended or refused. WorkSafeBC also encourages getting an up-to-date clearance letter before work starts.
3. Survey before renovation or demolition
Under section 20.112, before work begins on the renovation or demolition of a building, a qualified person must inspect it for hazardous materials, including asbestos, and prepare a written report. Anything the work could disturb must be safely contained or removed, with written confirmation, before the work goes ahead. See what to expect from asbestos testing.
4. Inventory before maintenance
WorkSafeBC advises homeowners, strata councils and property managers to have a qualified person create an inventory of any asbestos before maintenance or repair work, so trades can be warned about the hazards they might encounter. In workplaces, the employer and owner must have a qualified person prepare an inventory of asbestos-containing materials, and the employer needs an exposure control plan where workers may be exposed.
5. Notice of Project
For many asbestos projects, the abatement contractor must file a Notice of Project with WorkSafeBC before starting. Your contractor will know what's required for your job.
6. Get the closing report
When abatement is finished, WorkSafeBC says the contractor will give you a report confirming the asbestos has been contained or removed and the property is ready for renovation or demolition. Keep it with your survey report.
7. Follow local disposal rules
Disposal is regulated locally as well:
- City of Kamloops: material installed before 1990, or from a building built before 1990, is treated as asbestos-containing unless a hazard assessment with lab results is provided ahead of time. Potential asbestos-containing loads are accepted only at the Mission Flats Landfill, not at the Kamloops Resource Recovery Centre or Barnhartvale Landfill. Material must be double-bagged in sealed 6-mil bags, and an Asbestos Declaration and Acknowledgement Form is required regardless of construction date. (City of Kamloops)
- Thompson-Nicola Regional District: asbestos-containing material is accepted at the Heffley Creek and Lower Nicola Eco-Depots. Small residential loads go to Eco-Depots and landfills, not transfer stations, and commercial loads go to landfill only. (TNRD)
Quick checklist for homeowners
- Built before 1990? Plan on testing before you renovate, demolish or do maintenance that disturbs materials.
- Hire a qualified surveyor and get a written report.
- Hire a licensed abatement contractor, check their licence in the registry, and ask for a clearance letter.
- Get the contractor's closing report before other trades start.
- Keep asbestos waste out of household garbage.
Sources: WorkSafeBC: asbestos training, certification and licensing; WorkSafeBC: Find licensed contractors; WorkSafeBC: asbestos information for homeowners; WorkSafeBC: Notice of Project; OHS Regulation Part 6; OHS Regulation Part 20; City of Kamloops; TNRD: Asbestos.
This guide is general information, not legal or safety advice. For decisions about your property, rely on a qualified professional and WorkSafeBC. Last reviewed November 2, 2026.