Prince Rupert/Port Edward tie the knot on water/fire service agreements

The City of Prince Rupert finally dotted all the I's and crossed the T's on Monday evening, putting in place a pair of agreements that they have reached in recent months with neighbouring Port Edward.

One related to the provision of Water services to Watson Island by the District to the City at the industrial site; the other towards the provision of a Mutual Aid Agreement on Fire Protection for both communities.

The twin documents were included as part of Monday evening's "Consent Agenda" a catchall archive that normally doesn't gain much mention, or discussion from Council. 

Though in this instance Mayor Herb Pond did flag the two documents for a public vote outside of the Consent Agenda approval process.

The vote was unanimous in favour among those on hand for the Monday sessions, though there was no discussion related to he details for either of the agreements that are now in effect.

Towards the two Agreements, the city's documentation notes:

This service agreement is intended to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the communities and to support a a good working relationship that will facilitate further negotiations for the mutual provision of services between the two municipalities.

For the Fire Service agreement, the agreement outlines the scope of what would bring a call towards mutual aid, as well as to the compensation to either municipality for the services rendered.

Terms for the agreement are for three years with a potential for extension if desired:

The term of this Agreement will on execution of this Agreement and terminate on the earlier of: 

i) the day that is 3 years from the Commencement Date; 

ii) the day a Comprehensive Servicing Agreement enters into force; 

and iii) the termination of this Agreement pursuant to a provision herein. 

(b) The parties may terminate or extend this Agreement through mutual agreement.

Towards the terms for the Fire Agreement, it went into effect as of May 18th of this year, and will run for a three year term with the potential for an extension:

This Agreement is effective as of 18 May 2023 and shall be for a term of three (3) years. 

By mutual agreement the Parties may extend the term of this Agreement for three or more years. 

Either Party may terminate this Agreement by delivering sixty (60) days written notice of termination to the other Party.

You can review the full documentation for both Agreements from the City's Agenda page from Monday. The 20 page document starts on page 177.

More notes related to the Monday Council session can be reviewed here.