What is that smell, and which areas get it?
It is mostly reduced sulphur compounds from the city’s kraft pulp mills. It is strongest when the air is still or during an inversion, and drifts wherever the light wind blows.
Checked October 1, 2026. Numbers update on their own.
The “rotten egg” or cabbage smell comes from reduced sulphur gases released by kraft pulp mills. Health authorities describe it mainly as a nuisance at typical levels, but it is a reminder that the valley traps air. It is worst on calm, stable days and nights, and a breeze clears it; which neighbourhoods get it depends on the wind direction that day. Our air quality dashboard shows the live readings and the inversion watch.
By the numbers, live
Air quality health index now
1.7
October 16, 2026. PG Pulse live board (Open-Meteo, ECCC, Water Survey of Canada, BC Wildfire Service, BC Hydro, DriveBC, NOAA SWPC). More on air quality health index now
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Official sources
- Province of BC: air qualityLink checked October 14, 2026
