An infestation of rats has forced some City of West Kelowna employees to evacuate their office space.
For the second time this year, a 'potent odour,' has forced finance department employees within a portable at city hall to leave their offices.
The first time the odour appeared, it was due to dead rats within the walls of the portable.
The portable was fumigated, but, earlier this month, the odour returned, presumably caused by rats again.
The odour was so bad, employees were wearing masks to work until it became unbearable, according to a staff report.
The portable, one of three used by the city, was 30 years old when it was purchased from the Regional District of Central Okanagan in 2008.
The purchase price was $35,000.
Council is now being asked to either authorize repairs, at a cost of $35,000, or purchase a new portable to house the seven employees.
The report states city hall does not have the space to permanently house the displaced staff.
Staff have been relocated to workspaces vacated due to vacations and meeting rooms.