HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-06-037 - International Partnership Opportunity - Kumasi Metropolitan Assemblyi
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Report To: Mayor Carl Zehr and Members of Council
Date of Meeting: May 8, 2006
Submitted By: Carla Ladd, CAO
Prepared By: Carla Ladd, CAO
Ward(s) Involved: N/A
Date of Report: May 4, 2006
Report No.: CAO-06-037
Subject: INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY - KUMASI
METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY
RECOMMENDATION:
In keeping with our previous involvement and continuing interest in FCM's International
Municipal Partnership program, that Council approve in principle a partnership between the City
of Kitchener and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly in Ghana to commence in 2007, the details of
said partnership, once developed to come forward to Council in the form of an agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener has been an active participant in FCM's International Municipal
Partnership program since the early 1990's. To date, we have been involved in two successful
partnerships -the first with the City of Windhoek, Namibia and the second with Cebu City,
Philippines. In the early part of the 2000's, activity in this program slowed down and FCM
undertook an extensive review of the program in which City of Kitchener staff participated. FCM
has a renewed interest in developing new partnerships to support underdeveloped and
developing cities and are encouraging Canadian municipalities to increase their involvement.
REPORT:
An opportunity has been presented to the City for a partnership with a city in Ghana to begin in
2007. The City of Kitchener has benefited from its' involvement in FCM's International
Municipal Partnership program both in terms of the satisfaction gained from being able to help
less fortunate cities and in the growth and development of staff who participate. We remain
advocates of this program and committed to helping our municipal colleagues around the world
and as such are interested in pursuing this partnership opportunity. City of Kitchener staff have
much to offer and I believe the timing is appropriate to support our involvement in a new
partnership.
Should Council endorse our continued involvement, we will work with FCM to flesh out the
details of the partnership and report back to Council with a draft agreement of participation
outlining the areas in which we can provide support.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Funding for the program is predominantly provided by FCM/CIDA which covers all direct costs
related to travel, accommodation and living expenses. Support from the City is provided by way
of in-kind staff time.
COMMUNICATIONS:
None at this time.
Carla Ladd, CAO