Brockville City Council is demanding action from CN Rail over strong smells and other impacts from the Manitoba Rail Yard that have troubled west-end residents since August 2025. Council passed a resolution on May 27, 2026, calling on CN, Transport Canada, and the federal government to work with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on a solution that considers the health and well-being of nearby neighbours.
The rail yard stretches from just west of Perth Street to the city limits along the CN main line. Since last summer, residents on streets like Adley Drive have reported powerful creosote odours from stockpiled railway ties, along with diesel fumes, prolonged idling, and vibrations. The smells eased in October 2025 but returned in February 2026.
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks issued a director’s order on April 16, 2026, requiring CN to hire a qualified consultant and create a plan to manage the odours. CN has said it will move remaining rail ties away from homes by the end of May 2026, and most have already been relocated. However, residents say the smell persists, and some worry about possible groundwater contamination near Grant’s Creek.
Mayor Matt Wren brought forward the resolution, and councillors heard directly from affected families. Coun. Phil Deery, who lives in the area, raised concerns about children’s health. Residents have reported that kids come home with trouble breathing, burning eyes, and sore throats. Peggy Gillies and Susan Winter have spoken for the neighbourhood, documenting the ongoing smells and health effects.
Council’s resolution also asks for a permanent community liaison process and exploring whether the yard could be moved somewhere else in the long term. The city will send the resolution to local MP Michael Barrett and MPP Steve Clark.
