Our strata is repainting the exterior of our 1960s low-rise in New Westminster. Does the strata have to test for lead paint before they start?

Yes, your strata council has a legal obligation to ensure lead paint testing is done before any exterior repainting of a 1960s building. Under WorkSafeBC regulations, any employer — including a strata corporation that hires contractors — must ensure that hazardous materials like lead paint are identified before work that could disturb them begins. This falls under the strata's duty as the party commissioning the work.

A 1960s low-rise in New Westminster has a high probability of containing lead paint on its exterior, particularly on window frames, fascia, soffits, railings, and any decorative trim. Exterior paint from that era commonly contained lead for its durability and weather resistance, and the fact that the building is being repainted suggests the existing coating is likely deteriorating — which means sanding and scraping will be involved.

The painting contractor your strata hires should include lead testing as part of their pre-work assessment. If they don't mention it at all, that's a serious concern. A professional exterior repaint of a building with confirmed lead paint will cost more than a standard repaint because of the containment, dust suppression, worker protection, and hazardous waste disposal requirements. For a typical low-rise exterior in the Lower Mainland, the lead-safe premium adds roughly 30 to 50 percent to the project cost, but this is non-negotiable from a regulatory and health standpoint.

As a resident and strata member, raise this at your next council meeting or in writing to your property manager. Request confirmation that lead testing has been included in the project scope, and ask to see the contractor's Exposure Control Plan for lead before exterior prep work begins. Your strata has a duty of care to all residents and neighbouring properties.

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