Burlington and Itabashi Twinning

BURLINGTON and ITABASHI TWINNING

Nearly 25 years ago, the City of Burlington, Ontario

signed a twinning agreement with the City of Itabashi, Japan.

It was the start of a friendship that has carried on over the years, with a goal of fostering an understanding of the different cultures of the people who call the two cities, situated more than 10,000 kilometres apart 'home'. (The following are excerpts published by Burlington Post.)

According to the archives of Burlington Post,
 Itabashi mayor, Keizo Kurihara and Mayor, Roly Bird,
 signed the document on May 12, 1989 at Burlington City Hall. 
 Kurihara is reported to have said he hoped his city and Burlington

would learn more about each other through the twinning.

“Between our cities, are thousands of miles of distance geographically ,but also
  culturally and socially. Because of such differences, I hope our friendship
                                     will lead to enhancing world peace.”

The City of Itabashi presented Burlington with a replica

of a peace memorial statue by the late Japanese artist,

Seibo Kitamura which was unveiled after the signing ceremony

in the lower garden level of Burlington City Hall. The same statue is in Itabashi. 

The City of Burlington paid tribute to the Japanese city in 1997

by changing the name of Blanchard Street to Itabashi Way.

The City of Itabashi thanked Burlington for this kindness
 by denoting a wooden bridge, which crosses a stream
 near Tansely Woods Community Centre at the same time.

Volunteers on the Itabashi sub-committee
 of the Burlington Mundialization Committee

have spent the last 2 years planning 12 months of activities

to mark the Silver Anniversary of the twinning agreement.

One of the highlights is the Burlington Friendship Tour
 to Itabashi on May 14-25  which includes a small group of city councillors
 and staff, including Mayor Goldring and Council liasonWard 6, BlairLancaster ~
whom includes Mayor Goldring and Council liason Ward 6, Blair Lancaster ~
 plus other members and interested residents.
The cost is $4,996 per person based on double occupancy, including airfare and taxes.

Itabashi, Japan

The cherry blossom (sakura) is the unofficial flower of Japan

and one of the most popular flowers of Japan

and one of the most popular flowers and trees in Japan.

Itabisha lies on the Kamo plain and is one of Tokyo's 23 special wards.

The Arakawa River, a major river forms part of the boundary
 with Saitama Prefecture.

Itabashi is a ward in Tokyo with a population of more than 500,000.

The name means wooden bridge and derives from a wooden bridge
 that was constructed some 800 years ago over the Shakujii River.

Such a bridge was remarkable at the time ~ and has lasted since.

Because of the bridge, Itabashi became strategic to the area 

and this has had a major influence on its future.

On October 1, 1932, nine towns and villages of Kita-Toshima District merged ~

becoming part of Tokyo City~ as Itabashi Ward.

 

 During World War 11, Itabashi suffered significant destruction. It rebuilt in the decades after the war ~ transitioning from 'rural designation' to a high-density residential centre.

Writer: Merle Baird-Kerr...April 6, 2019

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@bell.net