Race acquaints people with smelly Marsh Creek

The first ever Marsh Creek Eco-Challenge took place in Saint John Saturday, hosted byAtlantic Coastal Action Program Saint John.

It was a 27-kilometre race, with about 100 people in teams running, biking and paddling their way through the creek's most scenic parts to get a better sense of the waterway.

But Marsh Creek is unfortunately best known for its smell.

"Your olfactory sense tingles every time you pass," said organizer Graeme Stewart-Robertson. "That's understandable and that's something ACAP wants to help the city turn around."

Raw sewage pours into the end of the creek from several large pipes.

"Marsh Creek really represents the worst of Saint John's image. And if we can turn it around, from being not just a negative but something outright dangerous to seeing... what could be a great example of a creek or wetland if restoration projects get done like we have planned in the next few years."

This week, the City of Saint John awarded Gulf Operators a $4.5 million contract for a project that will divert all the sewage from Marsh Creek to a new treatment plan.

It's hoped the smell from thearea will dissipate over time.