What began as a series of residential concerns related to industrial odours, emissions and noise levels in the spring and summer of 2010 has led to a precedent setting response from one of the largest private sector employers in the area, Atlantic Packaging.  

 

The growing and thriving community of Scarborough Centre has long been a place that residents and industry alike call home. A Good Neighbour campaign was initiated so that growing community concerns could be communicated to their industrial neighbours in a way that would lead to swift voluntary action.  Atlantic Packaging, a long-time resident and leader of fibre recycling services in Scarborough, quickly rose to the challenge.

 

Toronto Environmental Alliance offered to help the community identify key areas of concern, gather evidence and encourage Atlantic Packaging to become a 'good neighbour' by taking extra steps to reduce odours, pollution and noise levels.  Over the course of the last year, Atlantic Packaging has willingly opened up communication with the Scarborough Centre community, led investigations into the causes of community concerns, consulted with key experts in the field and developed an action plan to resolve these issues.

 

They are now in the process of resolving noise issues and testing hexachlorobenzene emissions at their 111 Progress Ave. facility and testing technologies to control odour levels at their newer facility at 333 Progress Ave. The company is providing regular updates to the community on their dedicated website and residents continue to monitor their progress.