McDermott seeks answers from Ministry following Durez leak
May 2, 2026 at 4:51 AM
As residents of Fort Erie’s north end and beyond spent days dealing with a noxious smell in the air they had questions. Town staff and councillors didn’t have answers.
In light of that, Ward 1 Councillor George McDermott asked town staff to have discussions with their counterparts at the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP) to ensure better communication when issues arise in the future. It comes on the heels of reports over the span of a few days in and around Earth Day last week.
McDermott said he fielded roughly 25 calls “with regards to dizziness, headaches, those with asthma were using their inhalers quite a bit. It was pretty bad. People up that way, instead of enjoying a sunny and beautiful Earth Day, were met by a mouth smell that was pretty noxious.”
MOECP official Taylor Buck told Fort Erie Radio the cause was related to a leak at the Durez Canada site on Dunlop Street. Durez, while acknowledging a leak occurred, has disputed the assertion it caused the odour issues.
Regardless, McDermott said communication from the MOECP should be better. He requested staff reach out to ministry officials to determine the particulars of the leak, air testing that was done, and what communication was sent out.
Mayor Wayne Redekop noted that both CAO Chris McQueen and Fire Chief Mark Schmitt were involved in responding to the reports, but the town has neither the equipment nor expertise to properly investigate to such incidents and relies on MOECP expertise.
Where the town does have expertise, he suggested, is in keeping the public informed.
“They should at least get something out on their message facilities which…we can amplify through our social media,” Redekop said.
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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