A cluster of residents in the Upper Beaches area is expressing frustration over the smoke emanating from a nearby restaurant, with limited options for local authorities to intervene. The residents are complaining about pervasive smoke and fumes coming from the Beach Hill Smokehouse, established on Main Street at Gerrard Street E. approximately eight years ago, which are so overwhelming that they hinder their outdoor enjoyment.
Kevin Lacombe, a resident living behind the restaurant, stated, “It’s unbearable to be outside. The smoke is irritating, affecting our eyes and throat.” A petition signed by 78 residents urges local and provincial authorities to address the emissions issue. However, city officials indicated that the restaurant’s owner, Darien List, seems to be in compliance with Toronto Public Health regulations, limiting the actions that can be taken in response to the complaints.
In an email to CBC Toronto, city staff mentioned that apart from routine inspections by Toronto Public Health, the City’s Municipal Licensing and Standards division conducted an inspection in May 2023 following an odor complaint. The inspection, done in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, included a review of the property’s ventilation system discharge, confirming compliance with relevant bylaws.
Videos and photos submitted to CBC Toronto show thick smoke enveloping the area behind the restaurant, where various types of residences are located. Residents claim that smoking incidents at Beach Hill occur several times a week, lasting around 20 to 30 minutes each time, a statement confirmed by List. Despite this, List expressed confusion over the residents’ grievances, emphasizing his adherence to city regulations and inspections.
Guillermo Gabrielli, Lacombe’s neighbor and initiator of the petition, sent the petition to Toronto Public Health, Mayor Olivia Chow, local councilor Brad Bradford, and provincial representatives, seeking action. Gabrielli advocates for List to install a filter on the smokestack to reduce smoke and potentially harmful emissions, emphasizing the residents’ distress caused by the situation.
Councilor Bradford acknowledged the concerns raised by residents, expressing empathy while highlighting that the restaurant appears to be abiding by regulations. He suggested that living in a bustling urban environment could bring about such challenges. Renan Lopes, a local passerby, noted varying levels of smoke from the restaurant, with some days experiencing dense smoke extending for a block, slightly above ground level.
Residents’ allegations about the smokestack emitting harmful particles prompted inquiries to the provincial Ministry of the Environment, which redirected questions to the city. City officials confirmed that no violations have been found regarding the emissions from the stack, emphasizing compliance with environmental regulations.