The City of Montreal has formally asked the provincial government to step in after Sanimax has not begun the upgrades ordered by a Quebec court to curb odours at its meat‑rendering plant in Rivière‑des‑Prairies. The request, made in September 2026, follows a 2024 court decision that required the facility to improve its air‑quality controls, a mandate that remains unimplemented.
Residents of the Rivière‑des‑Prairies neighbourhood have repeatedly voiced frustration over persistent smells emanating from the plant. Community members report that the odour problem has continued unabated, affecting daily life and local air quality. The city’s officials say the ongoing nuisance underscores the need for swift provincial action to enforce the court’s directive.
The municipal government notes that, despite the clear legal requirement, Sanimax has not initiated any of the prescribed modifications to its emissions system. The lack of progress has prompted Montreal’s authorities to seek assistance from the Quebec government, arguing that provincial intervention is necessary to ensure compliance and protect public health.
Quebec’s role in enforcing environmental and public‑health orders is well established, and the province’s involvement could compel the company to commence the required upgrades. The city’s appeal to the provincial administration emphasizes that the delay not only breaches the court order but also prolongs the discomfort experienced by local residents.
While the city has not detailed specific enforcement steps, it stresses that the province’s support is essential to move the process forward. The municipal request adds pressure on Sanimax to address the odour issue in line with the 2024 ruling, thereby restoring acceptable air quality for the surrounding community.
The situation remains under close watch as municipal and provincial officials coordinate a response to the unresolved compliance issue at the Sanimax facility.