City tackling Ashbridges Bay sewage smell with new tracking system
Toronto is introducing a dedicated 311 reporting system and stronger notification procedures to address ongoing odour complaints at the major treatment facility.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents near the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant in Leslieville might finally get relief from the notorious sewage smell plaguing the neighbourhood. Toronto is implementing a series of changes to better track and address ongoing odour complaints tied to the facility, which sits on the corner of Leslie Street and South Service Road.
The plant is one of Canada's largest and oldest wastewater treatment facilities, serving nearly 1.4 million residents and treating up to 818 million litres of wastewater daily—equivalent to about 325 Olympic-sized swimming pools. A particularly foul "odour event" in April prompted the response.
The City has introduced a dedicated 311 reporting system for sewage smells, making it easier to track complaints and identify patterns. Toronto Water is also stepping up with more proactive communication when odour problems occur, including improved notification procedures for Ward 14 - Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher and strengthening its internal "incident escalation and notification processes" to ensure more consistent responses.
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. These investments will "further support the mitigation of odour impacts" in the community. The matter will be considered at the June 24-26 City Council meeting.