Living in Calgary comes with many perks - proximity to the mountains, sunny winters, and vibrant communities. But it also comes with a hidden geological risk that many homeowners overlook: Radon gas.
If you think this is just an isolated minor issue, think again. In July 2025, I discovered my own home was testing at 400 Bq/m³ - double the Health Canada limit. Here is my personal journey of mitigating radon in Calgary, what it cost, and why every homeowner in Alberta needs to take this seriously.
What is Radon and Why is it High in Calgary?
Radon is a radioactive, invisible, and odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. Because Calgary sits on soil rich in uranium and we seal our homes tightly against the cold winters, radon accumulates in our basements at alarming rates.
According to recent data, the prairies are a "hotspot" for radon. A study by the University of Calgary found that 1 in 6 homes in the region has high radon levels. It is currently the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, causing over 3,000 deaths in Canada annually.
One study shows a surprising trend: newer homes - those built within the last 25 years - actually have 31.5 per cent higher radon levels on average than older properties. This is largely due to modern construction trends: larger footprints mean more surface area in contact with the ground to draw in gas, while taller structures create a stronger "chimney effect" where rising hot air pulls radon up from the foundation more powerfully. Additionally, because modern homes are more airtight, this suction effect can be amplified if the home's air intake and exhaust aren't perfectly balanced, trapping more radon inside.
My Personal Mitigation Story (July 2025)
Like many Calgarians, I bought a long-term test kit, set it up in the basement, and forgot about it for 90 days. When I got the results back, I was shocked.
- My Initial Level: ~400 Bq/m³ (The "Take Action" limit is 200 Bq/m³).
- The Fix: I hired a C-NRPP certified professional (I chose Great West Radon) to install an Active Soil Depressurization system.
- The Cost: The total remediation cost was approximately $2,500.
- The Result: Post-mitigation tests now show my levels are consistently around 18 Bq/m³.
The Installation Process
The process was surprisingly non-invasive. After sealing as much of the exposed foundation/slab as possible, the technicians drilled a hole into the concrete slab of my basement, installed a PVC pipe that runs up and out the side of the house, and attached a specialized fan. This fan creates a vacuum under the foundation, sucking the radon gas out of the soil and venting it safely outside before it can enter my home.
Radon mitigation installed in undeveloped basement area
Radon mitigation exhaust vent on exterior of home
Is Radon Mitigation Expensive?
One of the biggest barriers to action is the fear of cost. In Calgary, a typical mitigation system costs between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on the age and footprint of your home. Since 2015, all new homes in Alberta have required "radon consideration" which typically means the exhaust piping is roughed-in and ready for a fan installation. All homes should be tested for radon.
While $2,500 isn't pocket change, consider it an investment in your health. When you compare it to the cost of other home repairs—like a new furnace or roof—it is a relatively small price to pay to significantly reduce your lung cancer risk.
How to Test Your Calgary Home
You cannot smell or see radon. The only way to know your number is to test.
Get a Test Device: You can find information on where to buy certified test kits and find mitigation experts through TakeActionRadon. Digital radon detectors can often be found for sale online if you prefer real-time monitoring over a one-time mail-in lab result.
Place it: Put it in the lowest level of your home where you spend 4+ hours a day (usually a basement rec room or bedroom).
Wait: Send the kit to the lab after 90 days (or monitor your digital device for a long-term average).
Mitigate: If your levels are above 200 Bq/m³, contact a certified professional immediately. Some health authorities recommend action at 100Bq/m³.
Conclusion
Finding out my home had 400 Bq/m³ of radioactive gas was an eyeopener, but fixing it was straightforward. For $2,500, I bought peace of mind and clean air for my family. If you haven't tested your Calgary home yet, make 2026 the year you do it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the safe level of radon in Canada? Health Canada has set the "action level" at 200 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre). If your home tests above this number, you should take steps to lower it. However, the World Health Organization recommends a lower target of 100 Bq/m³.
Does opening windows reduce radon? Opening windows can temporarily lower radon levels, but it is not a permanent solution, especially in Calgary winters. Once the windows are closed, radon levels will return to their previous high concentration within hours.
How much does radon mitigation cost in Calgary? In 2025/2026, the average cost for professional radon mitigation in Calgary ranges from $2,000 to $3,000. My personal project cost approximately $2,500.
Can I sell a house with high radon levels? Yes, but it is becoming a common negotiation point. Some buyers may request a radon test as part of the home inspection. Having a mitigation system already installed can actually be a selling feature. If you know your home has high levels of radon, you may need to disclose to buyers.
Posted by Jeff Mikolajow onEnjoy this blog post? Click here to subscribe for updates
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