Development of the new Gaslight District on the old Southworks grounds in Galt (Cambridge) promises to create a thriving community that will feature condos, retail shops, commercial space, and entertainment venues. The site is defined by its historical structures that have housed a variety of industrial and commercial activities throughout their existence.

Due to the site’s long history, the developer faced problems typical in developing brownfield – or potentially contaminated – land. Sites of this nature often have indeterminate levels of contaminants in the soil; a by-product of decades of industrial or commercial use. If not dealt with properly, these contaminants can seep through a building’s concrete ground slab and create a health hazard for building occupants. The developer and contractor therefore had to find a way to prevent any potential vapour transmission of harmful chemicals into their buildings above.