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Residents in a suburb of Montreal are expressing their frustration over a long-standing sewage odor that has plagued their community for over a decade. In the Saint-Hubert borough, the unpleasant smell, which many liken to raw sewage, is a year-round nuisance for homeowners, including Francine Morissette.
“We have to keep our windows shut,” Morissette stated. “It’s unbearable to breathe the outdoor air.”
Despite numerous complaints from the community, the source of the odor has remained elusive for more than 15 years. The foul smell extends for several blocks along Kimber Boulevard, a residential zone comprised largely of single-family homes, surrounded by forested areas and bike paths. Notably, the neighborhood does not harbor any industrial sites, commercial enterprises, or agricultural lands that could account for the stench.
Community Inquiries Continue
When asked about the smell’s origin, residents like Morissette often respond with uncertainty, “We don’t know.”
Speculation among the community suggests that the odor might be linked to an exposed culvert located in a local open field. Reports indicate that the smell intensifies significantly following heavy rainfall. Morissette recalls that two years ago, city workers excavated the street to fix the sewage line and water pipes, which seems to have exacerbated the problem.
“It’s incredibly difficult for us. We pay taxes just like everyone else, yet we don’t receive the necessary services,” expressed Morissette.
For other residents, such as Lasene Ould Yones, the issue is not just an inconvenience but could pose health risks. “It has the potential to lead to health complications,” Yones warned.
Last year, several residents, including Morissette, voiced their concerns during a town council meeting. The mayor assured them that efforts were underway to address the issue; however, one year later, the problem persists.
In a communication with Global News, a representative from Longueuil confirmed that the smell emanates from the sewage systems. The city has engaged a consulting firm to conduct further investigations and recommend potential solutions. Residents can expect a presentation of these findings in January 2025.
While the city’s actions provide a glimmer of hope, Morissette is disheartened by the lengthy process. “It’s very upsetting,” she remarked.
Source
globalnews.ca