As complaints continue to pour in – online and otherwise – from across the city, Victoria promises to explore solutions and encourages residents to report air quality pollution to the province.
“On behalf of council I want assure the public that we hear and acknowledge your concerns regarding the noxious fumes reported in the city, and we are taking action,” Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said in a statement.
Residents in both Victoria and Saanich south started complaining about the stench – on hot summer evenings when folks seek the evening breeze by leaving windows open – in mid July. The smells of petroleum and gas prompted several calls to 911 and investigation by both municipalities.
Staff traced the source back to amped up operations at an asphalt plant on the Upper Harbour.
“Staff are in conversation with Island Asphalt and the province to address residents’ concerns. The city is exploring all options and tools available to it to respond to the reported odours,” Alto said.
Victoria is encouraging residents to report air quality pollution to the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks at 1-877-952-7277.
