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COUNCIL
POLICY Effective Date April 27, 2020
Amended Date: November 14, 2023
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SECTION: Corporate Services
TITLE: Sister City(ies) Policy
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines within which Sister City
relationships are established and maintained. A Sister City relationship is
intentionally created by two or more governments through a formal agreement.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE:
Sister City relationships between communities can foster a range of cultural,
educational, recreational and economic benefits and opportunities. This policy
recognizes the current Sister City relationships with the Town of Bandai (Japan)
and Lake Chelan (Washington, USA).
PRINCIPLES:
The Sister City model is based on community to community relationships. These
relationships will be built on the following principles:
Similarity There are identifiable similarities or mutual interest between the
Town of Oliver and the Sister City, or proposed Sister City.
Exchange There is potential for cultural, educational, recreational and/or
economic exchange.
Reciprocity As a Sister City there are reciprocal benefits and opportunities for
both parties to develop relationships through cultural,
educational, recreational and economic activities.
Community
Driven
There is active leadership, involvement and support by the
community, through an existing organization or business, to both
establish and maintain the relationship.
Sister City(ies) Policy
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Strategic
Benefit
The short-term and long-term benefits of the relationship
outweigh the public costs of entering into or maintaining the
relationship.
GIFTS:
In the development of the Sister City relationship elected officials, or their
representatives, exchange gifts that represent the cultural, educational,
recreational, economic exchange or similar recognition of their community.
All items that are exchanged, or donated, or in memoriam, are not to be disposed
without prior authorization from Council.
BUDGET:
Sister City relationships may benefit from an ongoing base budget allocated
specifically for expenses associated with:
a) Hosting visiting delegations from Sister City(ies)
b) Purchase of gifts to be given by the Town of Oliver when visiting Sister City
hosts.
The base budget funds that are allocated, are to host delegates and purchase gifts.
The Town of Oliver will manage budgeted funds, including those in reserves for
any funds not used each year.
The Town of Oliver’s Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and
Corporate Officer will meet annually to outline the services delivered and a
financial report, which will include a reserve continuity schedule.
DELEGATIONS/TRAVEL:
The long-term relationship established between the Town and Bandai (Japan) has
resulted in funds being accrued, through financial gifting from Bandai. These funds
are only to be used to assist youth and chaperones from the Town for trips to
Bandai. Youth and chaperones must also fundraise to assist with associated travel
costs.
Council members and officers approved for participating in a delegation to a Sister
City may be reimbursed for expenses in the same manner as set out for
conventions in the Town of Oliver Travel and Expenses Bylaw.