Squamish received an invitation from Shimizu's mayor to visit the community's Japanese sister city - a standing invitation that has only been taken up by two Squamish students.
The municipalities signed cooperative agreements in 2003. Since then, more than 118 students from the harbour town south of Tokyo have visited Squamish, while only two Squamish students have crossed the Pacific Ocean to Shimizu.
While visiting the District of Squamish's town hall on Friday (Aug. 17), Shimizu deputy mayor Katsutada Ochiai said he would like to see more Squamish residents come to his community. Building on the communities' relationship is an important way to bridge cultural gaps and increase awareness, he said through a translator.
"We are hoping to see more Squamish students," he said.
The delegation read a letter from the city's mayor, Nobuhiro Tanabe. He invited Mayor Rob Kirkham to take part in 50th anniversary celebrations of Shimizu-town, while also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the twinning of the communities next year.
Tanabe outlined the importance of the Squamish homestays, noting he hopes the program continues for years to come.
"We invite the junior high school students of Squamish to come stay," Tanabe stated in the letter.
Coun. Ron Sander, who welcomed the delegation, said he and former councillor Paul Lalli originally established the sister city relationship in the hope that it would boost both communities' economies.
At the time, Sander was manager of Squamish Mills. Sander said there were potential synergies for both countries in the lumber industry.
"Now it has turned into more of a cultural [exchange]," Sander said.
There are blossoming opportunities in overseas exchanges and Squamish's homestay programs, he noted. Vancouver-based Muskoka Language International (MLI), a company that specializes in operating unique English as a second language (ESL) programs, bases some of its classes in Squamish. Last year, MLI sent 60 students to Squamish, the company's group coordinator Liz Kim told The Chief last month.
"It would be nice if we could reciprocate," Sander said.
