HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS 14-001 - Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement for an Ontario Water-Wastewater Agency Response Network
REPORT TO:Community & Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
January 13, 2014
SUBMITTED BY: Pauline Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services,
x 4646
PREPARED BY:
Angela Mick, P.Eng. Utilities Water Engineer, x 4408
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
All
DATE OF REPORT:
December 6, 2013
REPORT NO.:
INS-14-001
SUBJECT: MUTUAL AID AND ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT FOR
AN ONTARIO WATER/WASTWATER AGENCY
RESPONSE NETWORK
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement,
including future amendments, with the Ontario Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network
(OnWARN).
BACKGROUND:
The Ontario Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (OnWARN) is a voluntary network of
utilities helping other utilities to respond to and recover from emergencies. It matches
specialized water/wastewater utility resources to specific needs during an emergency to aid in
quickly locating emergency equipment and trained personnel.
OnWARN is similar to mutual aid agreements that the City already has in place between
neighbouring municipalities for firefighting assistance via Regional mutual aid systems. In
addition there are informal understandings between neighbouring municipalities for
water/wastewater. In recent years, concern has been raised in respect to informal practices
with regard to liability, legal requirements, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
requirements. The OnWARN program establishes a legal framework where any subscribing
municipality can call upon the assistance of the other subscribing municipalities, with the
response being provided within the context of a blanket agreement.
OnWARN is important because it establishes agreement and protocols in advance to access
resources and trained personnel in water and wastewater systems through its Mutual Aid and
Assistance Agreement; and doesn’t require the declaration of an emergency to access
assistance.
The OnWARN system is one “tool in the toolbox” for responding to and dealing with significant
emergencies which are beyond the immediate capacity of the water/wastewater departments.
6 - 1
OnWARN also provides a forum for establishing and maintaining emergency contacts, and can
help facilitate water/wastewater emergency training.
OnWARN has many supporters including the Ministry of Environment and Emergency
Management Ontario. There are currently 28 members across Ontario.
REPORT:
Recognizing the significant benefit of joining OnWARN and improving emergency preparedness
for the City’s water and wastewater groups; staff are seeking authorization for the Mayor and
Clerk to execute the Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement, including future amendments, with
the OnWARN.
Prior to requesting assistance, all attempts and managing the emergency internally should be
exhausted. The following position shall be authorized to request or send assistance under the
Agreement:
Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services, or designate
The benefits with OnWARN are that it provides a legal framework where any member
municipalities can call upon the assistance of other members, with the response being provided
with the contact of an agreement which covers all aspects of legal liability, availability of
response, health and safety requirements, etc. OnWARN is also province wide in the event that
an emergency affects all of the neighbouring municipalities (e.g. a significant ice storm).
Participation in OnWARN does not specifically require a member municipality to respond to any
or all calls for assistance.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement relates to the Foundation Plan – Efficient and
Effective Government – Asset Management, Dependable Services by providing for additional
emergency preparedness.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There is no cost to join OnWARN; however there may be financial implications during an
emergency. When requesting assistance, the Requestor is responsible to reimburse the
Responder for all costs, benefits, and expenses.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
None
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Pauline Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services Department
6 - 2