Situated in the south end of Tillsonburg, the plant has drawn at least 26 complaints since May.
Sep 02, 2025 • Last updated Sep 02, 2025 •
A sign welcomes drivers to Oxford County at the eastern end of Tillsonburg. (Brian Thompson/Postmedia Network)
Oxford County is stepping up to tackle unpleasant odours coming from a wastewater treatment facility in Tillsonburg after receiving over two dozen complaints.
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Don Ford, who manages water and wastewater services for Oxford County, mentioned that staff are focusing on reducing the bad smells from the plant located in a town with about 20,000 residents.
The team has been “looking into ways to optimize” operations at the plant to help cut down on odours. This includes increasing screenings – which involve separating larger items and debris from wastewater – from bi-weekly to weekly, he explained.
The wastewater treatment facility is situated in a low area within Tillsonburg’s south end. Ford noted that county staff have reported receiving at least 26 complaints about the smell since May regarding this facility among nine similar ones in Oxford County.
“These odours are nuisances, and we don’t want to affect our neighbors’ enjoyment of their property. That’s important for us along with ensuring the plant operates effectively,” he said.
According to Ford, warmer weather has intensified the odours from the plant. He added that smells have been emitted through exhaust from a new rooftop HVAC system. However, he confirmed that the plant was functioning reliably and there were no safety concerns.
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A statement shared on Oxford County’s Facebook page revealed plans for refreshing the facility’s biofilter and reviewing its treatment process. Additionally, staff are pursuing funding approval from county politicians for “new odour abatement equipment to eliminate odours,” as stated in their announcement.
Ford expressed confidence that once new equipment is installed-potentially very early next year-the unpleasant smells would be resolved. He also pointed out that operational efforts combined with cooler temperatures should alleviate some issues in the meantime.
The first phase of a $12-million upgrade at this facility wrapped up towards late 2024 and early 2025. This upgrade aims to prepare for increased capacity and support future growth in this expanding municipality, according to Ford. He did not specify when phase two would occur.
Treatment facilities like these play an essential role in supporting municipal growth.
Tillsonburg was highlighted back in January as having one of the fastest-growing populations among smaller urban centers in Southwestern Ontario.
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An additional municipality near London experiencing growth and needing more wastewater treatment capacity is Lucan-Biddulph.
In mid-August, Queen’s Park announced it will invest over $17.5 million into expanding Lucan’s wastewater treatment plant capacity so nearly 1,000 new homes can be developed within this growing area. The funding will come through a provincial government initiative aimed at enabling housing-related water systems.<p“Lucan is one of Ontario's fastest-growing communities; this investment will help ensure our growth can proceed supported by appropriate infrastructure,” Steve Pinsonneault-a Progressive Conservative MPP representing Lambton-Kent-Middlesex-stated publicly.
P “Lucan-Biddulph Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson also commented on this funding being a “critical investment for our future.”P“By upgrading and expanding our wastewater treatment facilities,” she continued,”we’re guaranteeing reliable service for both residents and businesses while protecting our environment and preparing for ongoing economic development.”P @Brian Wat LFPress The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by Government of Canada Read More
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P “Lucan-Biddulph Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson also commented on this funding being a “critical investment for our future.”P“By upgrading and expanding our wastewater treatment facilities,” she continued,”we’re guaranteeing reliable service for both residents and businesses while protecting our environment and preparing for ongoing economic development.”P @Brian Wat LFPress The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by Government of Canada Read More
Across Southwestern Ontario smaller communities creak under rapid growth
Sewage island: $26M flood-proofing aims protectwater-treatmentplant
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