Squamish has joined Whistler, Pemberton and Lions Bay in a pledge to help each other maintain water and sewer services in the midst of the pandemic.
On June 16, council voted unanimously in favour of entering into a mutual aid agreement with the three other municipalities.
Before Squamish entered into the agreement, the province issued a state of emergency in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed up by a ministerial order that forces local governments to make efforts to enter into mutual aid agreements with neighbouring communities.
This would ensure essential services such as first responder, wastewater and drinking water services will be maintained throughout the state of emergency.
This new agreement only affects water and sewer services, as Squamish already has struck deals with respect to other services. For instance, it already has a fire mutual aid agreement with Whistler.
Under this new deal, the District is not forced to provide resources to municipalities — it can determine if it has the means to help out first.
Fees charged will only cover costs, and all parties promised to avoid litigation during any disputes.
The District is working on striking a similar water and sewer agreement with the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. It has yet to be finalized.
