New Hamburg has a compact historic downtown core centred on Peel Street and Huron Street
near the Nith River, complemented by newer commercial sites along major roads and near
the Highway 7/8 corridor. Many of these commercial and institutional buildings were
constructed or renovated between the 1950s and 1980s, when asbestos-containing materials
were common in interior finishes and mechanical systems.
During that time, asbestos-containing materials were commonly used for:
- Boiler and mechanical room insulation in commercial blocks, offices and public buildings
- Floor tiles and mastics in shops, restaurants, banks, professional offices and service spaces
- Acoustic ceiling tiles and pipe wraps in offices, schools, libraries and other institutional facilities
Over time, downtown premises and community buildings have seen frequent tenant turnover
and interior renovations—from local shops to restaurants, professional offices and
services. As a result, hidden asbestos-containing materials often remain above older ceilings, behind wall
finishes, and in corridor and back-of-house areas, typically uncovered when interior
upgrades, additions or demolition work are planned.