Kirkham, Sander to Visit Japan

By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Sept. 21, 2013

Coun. Ron Sander and Mayor Rob Kirkham will travel to Japan in November to attend the 50^th anniversary of Squamish’s sister city, Shimizu.

“Because of Shimizu’s generous offer, the cost of the trip will be reduced to approximately one third of this budget.” district spokesperson, Christina Moore.

Both Mayor Kirkham and Councillor Sander will be accompanied by their spouses, a custom and an  expectation of the sister city.

Sander’s selection for the trip was made through a draw. Shimizu had offered to host three people and cover all costs.

The 2013 district budget allocated $11,800 for the mayor and councillor’s trip.

“Because of Shimizu’s generous offer, the cost of the trip will be reduced to approximately one third of this budget,” said district spokesperson, Christina Moore.

Shimizu, a town located on the northern end of Izu Peninsula in the mid-eastern part of Japan, has a population of 32,410.

Squamish and Shimizu were declared sister cities in 2003.

The then-Squamish mayor Ian Sutherland and two councillors travelled to the Shimizu to celebrate the community’s 40th anniversary.

Recently, a batch of students from Shimizu visited Squamish. As many as 118 students from Shimizu have visited Squamish, while only two from Squamish have visited Shimizu.