There won't be any more surprise bills for non-residents who crash their vehicles and need help from Squamish Fire Rescue.
Council voted on Tuesday (Nov. 16) to stop sending invoices to non-residents involved in motor vehicle accidents that result in Squamish's emergency services personnel responding to the scene.
Coun. Raj Kahlon and Coun. Corinne Lonsdale were part of the council that brought in the policy. Lonsdale said during debate that it wasn't a perfect bylaw.
"Maybe there are some things in this bylaw that could be improved," Lonsdale said.
Kahlon suggested council find a way to target the invoices so they don't go out to tourists.
From the time that this issue first came before council, Coun. Ray Peters said that he did not support the policy.
"I worked as a firefighter for 30 years for the District of North Vancouver and I never remember us sending anyone a bill," Peters said. "I just think of a member of my family getting into an accident and they get a bill."
Mayor Ian Sutherland argued that the District of Squamish (DOS) is not getting value for money from the policy. Not all the invoices have been paid and the DOS has spent $3,238.90 so far on an unresolved lawsuit that was filed against the DOS by ICBC over the billings.
"This is a public relations nightmare waiting to happen," said Coun. Dave Fenn.
At the end of the debate, Lonsdale and Kahlon voted against the policy change while Sutherland, Peters, Fenn and Coun. Sonja Lebans voted to stop billing non-residents.
Coun. Jeff Dawson did not attend the meeting.
