April 30, 2026
Village of Lumby
The Village of Lumby would like to acknowledge the complaints received regarding the odour arising from the wastewater treatment plant. We understand that the smell can be disruptive for residents and businesses, however factors outside of staffs control are present.
Each spring, as the temperature rises, the lagoons which filter effluent turn over, resulting in the odours experienced throughout the Village. This is further exasperated by the lack of rain in recent months. Traditionally in the spring, fresh water is added to the ponds with the rain, which mixes in with effluent and offsets the odour. Mayor and Council, as well as staff, understand that these odours are not enjoyable and impact residents of our wonderful community.
Currently, the wastewater treatment plant is under construction for a significant upgrade. In 2021, the Village received a grant for $7,978,304 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program through the Provincial and Federal governments. This grant funding, alongside long-term borrowing obtained by the Village has enabled a $10.8M upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant. Through this plant improvement, there will be construction of two high-efficiency aerated lagoons which will assist in the breakdown of effluent, reducing the smell throughout the community. Design began on this new plan back in 2022, and construction started in the fall of 2025. This project is well underway and is anticipated to be completed within the year.
The Village understands that the smells of the wastewater treatment plant are inconvenient and not an enjoyable part of our community but hope that the progress being made to improve this asset will ease the worries of community members. We appreciate your patience as we work through this period of growth and investment in the future infrastructure of our community.
If community members have further questions or concerns, they are asked to call the Village office at 250-547-2171 or send an email to info@lumby.ca.