A foul odor has been plaguing the charming mountain town of Canmore, Alberta, prompting a local resident to humorously suggest a new tourism slogan. Jamie McVicar wrote to the local newspaper, proposing, “Visit Canmore: Come climb a peak; don’t mind the reek.” The town, nestled on the eastern edge of Banff National Park and located about 110 kilometers west of Calgary, has been battling a strong sewer smell originating from its sewage treatment plant.
Residents like McVicar, who has called Canmore home since 1993, have been enduring the unpleasant stench, describing it as “ungodly” and at times so pungent that windows had to be shut. Despite years of efforts to address the issue, including various methods like iron salt dousing and carbon filters, the odor problem persists. The latest solution in progress involves replacing the open air tanks with covered ones, with completion expected next year.
The town has expressed its commitment to resolving the sewage smell matter, acknowledging the distress it causes to residents and assuring ongoing efforts to mitigate the odor impact. Mayor Sean Krausert, who is up for re-election, emphasized the town’s struggle in addressing the issue, citing the challenges posed by the prevailing west wind that carries the smell. While the smell remains a contentious topic in Canmore, it has not become a major election concern.
Krausert highlighted the town’s focus on tackling pressing issues such as housing, affordability, and wildfire threats as Canmore evolves into a popular destination. Despite personal experiences of the sewage smell even in his own neighborhood, the mayor emphasized the importance of swift action to alleviate the problem for affected residents.