Some citizens in Huntingdon are complaining about foul odours that are coming from Jakers, a business located at the intersection of Lorne Ave. and Montée Athelstan. However, the business has invested tens of thousands of dollars in recent weeks to remedy the situation.
The effectiveness of these efforts still raises doubts, according to Maryse Haineault, who lives just across the street. Last autumn, she presented a petition with over 200 signatures to the Municipal Council of Huntingdon to report the situation.
`We can’t enjoy our outside environment anymore, » claimed Haineault, « the odour of dead animal is so intense and we are forced to stay inside. »
Her son, Maxime described how his friends came for a visit once and they could not stand to breathe in the bad smelling air. The smell is noticeable even in the winter.
Jakers is a business that makes treats for dogs from bones and other parts of beef and pork. It has 23 employees working in its facility which formerly belonged to Cleyn & Tinker.
The site is right beside parc de l’Ile Russell where many cyclists and kayakers stop on the banks of the Châteauguay River. « It’s not a very nice calling card for the town, » suggested Haineault, who was speaking on behalf of a number of citizens exasperated by the odour.
Notice of violation
Under pressure from citizens, the Town of Huntingon has already issued infractions to the Jakers site regarding the nuisance by-law. Keep in mind that the Town owns the building rented to Jakers and the zoning is considered heavy industrial.
« Originally, there were not supposed to be any emissions, » explained Johanne Hébert, Director General. « Given the situation, we’re trying to work with the business to find an effective solution. »
$100 000 investment
Walter Cordero, the owner of Jakers, maintains that the business has made an enormous effort to solve the problem; first, by integrating a dehydrating device with a carbon filter, then by incorporating a solution of fragrant droplets into the airborne emissions. « Investments have been around $100 000, » he said.
« We should have made adjustments at the beginning, » admitted Cordero, who doubts the sincerity of the neighbours on this issue. According to Haineault, however, the scent of perfume mixed with the smell of animal waste does not always have the intended effect .
« Our factory is as clean as any agri-food facility, we are regulated by the ministère de l’Agriculture and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and our products are subject to weekly monitoring, » continued the business man.
Waste water from the factory is also treated at the municipal water purification plant.
Cordero also mentioned having received complaints from truck drivers who, while making deliveries to the site, were harassed by the Haineaults.
Translated by Cathleen Johnston
