The City of Kelowna has a new perspective when it comes to relations with cities around the world.
Mayor Colin Basran recently returned from a trip to Kelowna’s sister city Kasugai, Japan.
Kelowna and Kasugai have been sister cities since 1981, working to strengthen cultural and business ties since then.
Basran said his first time to Japan offered so many things to like, and that he was honoured to take the trip, which he hopes will benefit all residents of Kelowna.
“The purpose of the trip was to continue to build cultural and economic relations with the city of Kasugai and it’s been common practise that the mayor will make a trip over to Kasugai once during and so I’m just following in the footsteps of those before me,” said Basran. “It was absolutely incredible. We were treated very well.”
Basran was accompanied by the president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Tom Dyas.
He said one of the highlights of their trip was the home stay, when they were hosted by a local Japanese family.
“Getting to experience everyday living in that country was currently a very unique experience and a great way to be able to learn about the country first hand,” said Basran.
He was also happy to meet with Matt Fraser who works for the federal government as a senior trade commissioner based in Nagoya.
“I now have a contact when I’m approached by businesses in Kelowna who may be interested in breaking in to the Japanese market and that’s specifically Matt’s job is to find opportunities when presented for Canadian businesses,” explained Basran.
Great night in #Kasugai with sister-city @cityofkelowna @KelownaChamber @Basran pic.twitter.com/YanVJ05RcO
— Matt Fraser (@MattInNagoya) April 8, 2016
He said having ties overseas is crucial.
“That’s why continuing this relationship is so important.”
Basran said there were definitely some similarities between Kelowna and Kasugai, especially the fact that both communtieis are growing.
He said Kasugai is beautiful, and free of garbage on the streets.
“In their culture there is a very deep respect for community,” said Basran.
He also said they have a great transit system and have some better solutions to housing, with most people living in smaller suites.
Basran said this is something he wants to bring here, with the introduction of micro suites and more multi-family living.
“They are far ahead in terms of areas that we are striving to be (better in) as a community of Kelowna,” said Basran. “From a planning perspective it was very interesting to be able to go there and see some of the things that we’re doing.”
Delegation from Kasugai will be coming to Kelowna in August including members of their Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from their university which Basran says is about the same size as UBCO here in Kelowna. Basran said they hope to keep building their relationship with the community.
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