Campbell River Restaurant Declared Public Nuisance

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.

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.