Residents of East Vancouver have been enduring a strong odor this summer, likened to a combination of fish, garbage, and sewage. The smell is believed to emanate from nearby sources such as a poultry processing plant, two seafood processors, and West Coast Reduction Ltd., a significant rendering plant. To cope with the unpleasant smells, locals have resorted to burning incense at home or exploring different parts of the neighborhood. Complaints about the odor have nearly doubled in 2025, with Metro Vancouver recording 883 odor complaints in East Vancouver, compared to an average of 456 annually over the past five years. West Coast Reduction is suspected to be the cause of 357 complaints this year.
West Coast Reduction, the sole facility of its kind in British Columbia, processes food waste and animal byproducts from various sources, turning them into valuable proteins for feed and pet food, as well as fats used in renewable fuel. To address the resulting odors, the facility employs various treatments, including incineration and chlorine solutions, before releasing the air. Despite these measures, the smell continues to affect surrounding areas, occasionally reaching other parts of the city.
In response to the increased complaints, West Coast Reduction has enhanced its monitoring efforts, using a weather system on the facility’s roof to track weather conditions and investigate odor complaints. Metro Vancouver also plays a role in addressing odor issues, with environmental regulation staff assessing each complaint and conducting on-site visits when necessary. Identifying the exact source of odors can be challenging due to changing air conditions.