Upper Beaches residents fuming over restaurant smoke, but city says rules are met

A group of Upper Beaches residents says the smoke billowing from Beach Hill Smokehouse on Main Street at Gerrard Street East is so overpowering they can't enjoy their backyards — but Toronto authorities say the restaurant appears to be playing by the rules.

The restaurant, which opened eight years ago, has drawn complaints from 78 residents who signed a petition calling for the city and province to stop the emissions. Videos and photos show a blanket of smoke billowing through the residential area behind the restaurant, where there are townhomes, apartments and detached homes.

Kevin Lacombe, who lives in a townhome behind the restaurant, said the smoke happens several times a week for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time. "It's unbearable to be outside," he said. "The smoke — it's in your eyes, in your throat."

His neighbour Guillermo Gabrielli, who started the petition, wants the owner to install a filter on the smoke stack — which appears to be about three metres high — to reduce emissions. Gabrielli, who has lived in the townhome with his wife Maria Parisi for 25 years, said the situation is "uncalled for."

City staff say there may be little they can do. Toronto Public Health conducts regular restaurant inspections, and the city's Municipal Licensing and Standards division last inspected the property in May 2023 following a complaint about odours. "At that time, the business was found to be in compliance with relevant bylaws enforced by the City," city staff said in an email.

The inspection included a review of the ventilation system discharge conducted alongside the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Restaurant owner Darien List said Toronto he has "passed all the inspections" and does "everything by the book." He said he's not sure why residents are complaining.

Councillor Brad Bradford acknowledged the controversy and sympathizes with residents, but said the restaurant's equipment meets all requirements. "The smoker is properly and correctly installed," he said. "The chimney meets all of the requirements, all of the environmental regulations. It was inspected as recently as last spring."

Gabrielli said his petition was sent about two weeks prior to Toronto Public Health, Mayor Olivia Chow, his local councillor and provincial politicians. He has not yet received a reply.