Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee says he didn't know until residents started complaining that there was even "a possibility" of an odour problem at the newly expanded waste treatment plant.

Lee told CBC News Tuesday city staff knew there was a chance the new system could cause an odour but failed to let council know about it.

Clifford Lee is disappointed council was not informed.
(CBC)

"I have to say I am somewhat disappointed that this information was not presented to council, and I have expressed that concern to our senior management," said Lee.

"This was never brought to city council until after the plant was completed and up in operation and the odour problem did actually become an issue."

Local residents first started complaining of the smell late last month. Last week, with a shift in the wind, residents across the harbour in Stratford also began to complain.

City staff is recommending the company that did the original work be hired to come up with a solution. They say it makes more sense than going back to square one with a new company.