Odour Reporting
You may have noticed a certain odour on the breeze over the last few years, on hot days or on very rainy ones. We did too, and started taking action to investigate how we could take steps to help make sure our air is as beautiful as the view.
We know that sewage smell can be distressing. We are aware of the issue, committed to resolving it. We acknowledge that there remains a problem to solve, and we appreciate your patience as we continue to take steps to reduce odour impacts on our community.
On Aug. 19, 2025, council directed administration to prepare a capital project for a Phase 3 Odour Upgrade at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, to be brought forward as part of the 2026 budget amendment process.
In Phase 3, we would focus on the digesters, which are the two large holding tanks where anaerobic bacteria 'digest' the organic material present in the sludge as a food source.
As part of our on-going assessment, we need your nose. We are compiling public observations to help us understand patterns and extent of odour issues that may be related to the waste water treatment facility. This information is far from our only source of data, but will help us track (more on an anecdotal level) when and where the community is noticing those foul odours.