A strong smell fanned the flames of worry and intrigue for residents in communities bordering Victoria and Saanich on Wednesday evening.
Several residents called 911 to report a chemical odour in the air.
“City staff are investigating where the odour is coming from. If the source of the odour is identified, staff will determine whether a bylaw violation is occurring,” a Victoria spokesperson said.
In Saanich, crews investigated and determined the odour was from paving in the area. There were no calls to fire dispatch on Thursday, according to the district.
The 911 calls were augmented with a flurry of online posts comparing smells in the city.
A Saanich fire truck parked near a business at Interurban and Wilkinson spurred an online conversation. The Crooked Goose Bistro later confirmed on social media it would be closed due to a recent fire outbreak.
“We are currently assessing the situation and working with the relevant authorities,” the restaurant stated.
But the note sparked a conversation on smells – described as chemical or oil – along the Quadra corridor.
“That was the strangest smell last night in Quadra/Cloverdale also. It was almost like jet fuel but not quite. Thought it may be coming from either gas station at the corner, but never heard any emergency vehicles attend,” wrote another.
While the paving smells in Saanich – there was Wednesday evening work on Ravine Way – prompt worry, the best number for people to call in non-urgent situations is the Saanich fire dispatch non-emergency line at 250-475-6111 or Victoria fire non-emergency line at 250-920-3350.
Using those numbers keeps the emergency line free, putting callers through to dispatch in the non-emergency queue.
Residents are still encouraged to call 911 in an emergency.
Does your neighbourhood stink? Let us know by emailing newsroom@vicnews.com.
