Utility workers in a pair of Quebec-Vermont border towns have asked to be paid in Canadian dollars instead of American dollars, thanks to the soaring value of the loonie.

The neighbouring towns of Stanstead, Que., and Derby Line, Vt., share water and sewage systems which are run by a team of 15 American and Canadian employees who had been paid in U.S. dollars because they were worth more.

But starting this week, the workers will get paid in Canadian currency.

"Nobody wants to lose money," Stanstead Coun. Serge Tougas said Wednesday. "It seemed to be a concern from everybody around the table, American or Canadian, that the greatest of the exchange would be granted to the employees."

The loonie's worth has risen by 24 cents US since the beginning of the year, crossing the parity mark in September and hitting a high of $1.10 US on Wednesday morning.

The Canadian dollar's soaring value is mainly due to rising oil prices and a weakening American dollar.

The towns of Stanstead and Derby Line are located about 160 kilometres southeast of Montreal and have a combined population of about 4,000 people.