By the Maple Coat Painting team · Updated
Older Ottawa homes and lead paint
Lead paint isn't a reason to panic. It's a reason to be careful with sandpaper. This guide covers what Health Canada says, where older homes are concentrated around Ottawa, and what we do about it.
What Health Canada says
From Health Canada's lead-based paint page:
- A home built before 1960 probably contains lead-based paint.
- In homes built from 1960 to 1990, exterior paint may contain lead, and interior paint may contain smaller amounts.
- Lead paint shouldn't be sanded or heat-gunned, because that creates dust and fumes.
Read the full page before doing any scraping or sanding yourself.
Where Ottawa's older homes are
Share of homes built before 1960 (2021 census; ward areas and city):
| Area | Built before 1960 |
|---|---|
| Capital ward area (the Glebe, Old Ottawa South) | about 44% |
| Kitchissippi ward area (Westboro, Hintonburg) | about 42% |
| Alta Vista ward area | about 30% |
| Somerset ward area (Centretown) | about 30% |
| City of Ottawa overall | about 16% |
What we do
Homes built before 1960 get a lead paint check before any sanding. If the check is positive, the crew doesn't dry-sand, and the job is flagged for review before work goes on. We don't claim any lead certification.
When you describe your job, include the year your house was built.
What it means for your price
Room prices don't change because a house is old. What can change is prep: anything beyond ordinary filling is a flat minor-prep line ($80 / $105 / $130 by room size), shown before you send. Trim and doors, often the oldest painted surfaces, is $240 / $300 / $360.
Get your price
Area guides: the Glebe, Westboro and Hintonburg and Alta Vista and Gloucester.
Questions from Ottawa homeowners
How do I know if my house has lead paint?
Health Canada says a home built before 1960 probably contains lead-based paint, and homes built 1960–1990 may have it outside and smaller amounts inside. Only a test confirms it.
Do you test for lead?
Homes built before 1960 get a lead paint check before any sanding. If it's positive, the crew doesn't dry-sand.
Are you lead-certified?
No. We don't claim any lead certification. We follow the check described above.
Which Ottawa areas have the most older homes?
In the 2021 census, about 44% of homes in the Capital ward area and about 42% in Kitchissippi were built before 1960, against 16% city-wide.
Can I sand old paint myself?
Health Canada advises against sanding or heat-gunning lead paint. Read its guidance before any DIY prep.
Ready for a price on your Ottawa rooms?