District of Squamish introduces COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff in life-saving or recreation program delivery roles 

The District of Squamish has introduced a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for employees in certain public-facing roles within the organization. District employees, contractors and volunteers who are in either a life-saving role or delivering a recreation program in which participants must be vaccinated to participate, will be required to be vaccinated. 

“We believe this is a policy that is measured and sensible for the community context and risk level within Squamish, considering the robust communicable disease plan that we have had in place to support and enhance provincial public health guidance and orders,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “This policy closes a logical gap between the provincial requirements and employee interactions with the public, and we think it makes sense for our staff and community, giving residents and staff who come in close contact extra peace of mind.” 

The community context considers the high vaccination rate in Squamish (91% fully vaccinated and 97% with a first dose) which suggests that approximately the same percentage of District employees are vaccinated. 

The District’s overall approach to reducing COVID-19 transmission includes multiple facets:  

• A Communicable Disease Prevention Plan within the workplace for all employees which provides for effective measures such as plexiglass barriers in public-facing areas, and additional measures such as mask-wearing even when not mandated. 
• A Remote Work Policy for roles whereby working from home is an option. 
• Regular and consistent use of virtual meetings. 
• Support for employees to stay home when they are sick. 
• NEW: Mandated vaccines for firefighters (employees and Paid On-Call), lifeguards, and recreation program leaders (employees, contractors and volunteers) in programs or activities where vaccines are a requirement for participation. 

“In the absence of a provincial edict, and in listening to patron feedback, especially seniors, we have chosen a partial mandate approach as it is proportional to the risk and offers the greatest advantages here in Squamish,” says the District’s Chief Administrative Officer, Linda Glenday. “With our high Squamish vaccine rates and the careful work environment we have created, we have confidence that this vaccine policy meets our objectives to ensure the safety of our employees and the public.” 

Unvaccinated employees must receive a first dose by January 14, 2022 and be fully vaccinated by February 18, 2022. Those who are impacted by the policy will be provided with guidance and support from the Human Resources department throughout the process. 

December 9, 2021