A fish and chips restaurant in Campbell River has been declared a nuisance property, and city officials are hoping the dubious distinction will stem an odour emanating from the property.
Campbell River city council at a July 20 meeting discussed what they’re calling an ongoing issue at Dick’s Fish and Chips at 660 Island Highway, where “disturbing levels of odour” have been documented since 2017, according to a staff report.
“The disturbing odour emanates from the exhaust system at the rear of the premises resulting in residential properties in the vicinity of the rear of the premises being affected by the odour,” reads the report.
The smell is contrary to an amended public nuisance bylaw, and last week council unanimously pushed for the restaurant’s owner to implement four remedial practices, including replacing the fryer exhaust system’s charcoal filters at least once per week.
“Well, I hope this will result in an end to the issue that the neighbourhood has been dealing with. Let’s just hope,” said Coun. Ron Kerr. “Yes,” added Mayor Kermit Dahl.
Coun. Ben Lanyon, however, didn’t participate in the discussion and left council chambers, citing “a conflict for business reasons.”
City staff say the mitigation measures should work.
“It is believed that proper implementation of mitigation measures should help keep the odour to a lower level,” they explain, “and not unreasonably disturb the enjoyment, comfort or convenience of persons in the neighbourhood or vicinity.”
They say it was in 2017 when council first adopted odour regulations. That was after Dick’s neighbours started complaining about the smell, which is documented to be worse in the spring and summer.
“Disturbing levels of odour have been documented when non-prevailing wind and temperature conditions combine with times of higher customer load over the spring/summer,” reads the report.
Bylaw officers have visited Dick’s in the past to assess the odour and have issued fines. In April 2021, an inspection revealed the restaurant’s owner had implemented a regime of regular system cleaning, among other practices.
The city says Dick’s owner has been advised in writing about the issue brought forward to council, and CHEK News has reached out to staff at the restaurant for comment.
Ethan Morneau
