MINDEMOYA-KAGAWONG – It appears the municipality of Central Manitoulin and the Township of Billings will be developing a proposal for mutual assistance services to be provided between their two roads departments, and possibly other municipalities, in emergency cases (for instance, a COVID-19 outbreak in one of the municipalities).
“The idea originally came from Billings Township,” said Derek Stephens, a Central Manitoulin councillor and chair of the municipal roads committee after a meeting last week. “If an emergency occurred, for instance a COVID-19 outbreak among staff on the roads department, a municipality could get assistance from a neighbouring municipality. Along with Billings we said, what about working with other municipalities as well?”
At a Billings Township council meeting last week, council discussed the possibility of the mutual assistance agreement with Central Manitoulin in an emergency situation.
“On any potential major problem with COVID-19 for example, we would need our roads to be plowed and maintained,” stated Billings Mayor Ian Anderson, noting Central Manitoulin is the township’s closest neighbouring municipality.
“This would be a really good plan to have in place; I agree with the agreement document being proposed,” stated Councillor Michael Hunt.
“This agreement would be a very proactive approach, “ said Councillor Bryan Barker. “In the case of an emergency it would be good to have an agreement in place with a neighbouring municipality.”
Mr. Barker noted, “COVID-19 brought all of this to light, and this agreement would be good to have in place for other potential emergencies as well in the future.”
“I agree, it would be a wise move down the road and as Councillor Barker noted, would provide a pro-active approach,” added Mayor Anderson.
