Toronto finally fixing awful sewage smell plaguing neighbourhood

Locals near the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant in Toronto's Leslieville area might not have to hold their noses every time the wind shifts, as Toronto is making changes to better track and address ongoing odour complaints tied to the facility.

A new report from the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services and the Chief Communications Officer outlines the City's response following a particularly foul "odour event" in April that left residents wondering whether they'd wandered into a giant unflushed toilet.

Located on the corner of Leslie Street and South Service Road, Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant is one of Canada's largest and oldest wastewater treatment facilities, with a tough job to do. According to the City of Toronto, the plant serves nearly 1.4 million residents and treats up to 818 million litres of wastewater every day (so, imagine 325 Olympic-sized swimming pools full of…well, you know).

The report says the City has introduced a dedicated 311 reporting system for sewage smells, making it easier to track complaints and spot patterns instead of relying on what can sometimes feel like an annoying game of telephone.

Toronto Water is also stepping up and promising more proactive communication when funky odour problems pop up, including improved notification procedures for local councillors, including Ward 14 - Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher. The City says it is strengthening its internal "incident escalation and notification processes" to ensure responses are more consistent.

The sewage plant has been well-known for its rather "flatulent smell" for well over a decade, so nearby residents might finally have reason to breathe a little easier. The City is planning major upgrades, including primary tank refurbishments and a future Odour Control Facility on Coxwell Avenue, which is expected to help tackle the smell at its source.

The report says these investments will "further support the mitigation of odour impacts" in the community. This matter will be considered at the upcoming June 24-26 City Council meeting.