Speaking after signing the MoA on ‘Twinning of Cities,’ Corporation of Delta Mayor Lois E Jackson said that the agreement is a beginning of an economic relationship that can serve both cities well. “During the recent global economic slowdown, India’s economy managed a growth rate of 6.7 per cent between 2008 and 2009.

 In addition, India has the second fastest growing major economy in the world with a population estimated to be approximately 120 crore. These facts coupled with Delta’s own ethnic diversity made India an obvious choice for Delta’s economic twinning activities,” she added.

While reviewing potential cities, Mangalore soon became a key city of interest for Delta, the Mayor said.

Delta city and Mangalore are similar in many respects, she said adding that both coastal communities have large ports, strong agricultural base and a diverse local economy, she added.

“Canada recognises the opportunities that India represents and is actively promoting economic ties between two countries. In British Columbia, Delta is a resource-rich province, which is ready to develop mutually beneficial economic ties with cities in India,” the Mayor said adding that the City is well positioned to play a major role for business and industry from Mangalore.

“Delta is ideally located as a major transportation hub with convenient and efficient access for rail, shipping trucking and major highway network. With the completion of the 1.2 billion dollar South Fraser Perimeter Road in 2013, the efficiency of Delta’s transportation network will increase substantially,” Lois Jackson said.

As part of the twinning initiative, Corporation of Delta have updated the community profile brochure and created a promotional video that would be shared with Mangalore City Corporation, she said.

“I take great pleasure in extending an open invitation for a reciprocal visit to Delta by the Mangalore City Corporation delegation and see what the City has to offer,” she further added.

Corporation of Delta Chief Administrative Officer George V Harvie making a presentation said that the annual budget of the Corporation for the year 2010 is 230 million dollars. He said that 55 per cent of the revenue of the Corporation of Delta derives from taxation. Administrative Services Manager Manjit Kaila explained about best practices of Delta which can be shared with Mangalore City.

To a query on grievance redressal mechanism, Jackson said that citizens of Delta usually file complaints through e-mails, text messages, telephones or meet the officials directly. “I personally attend all grievances and direct officials to solve the problems,” she added.
The mayor, replying to a query, said that Delta is fortunate to have only few slums. “The provincial government provides funds for the development of economically backward areas,” she added.

On traffic management, Jackson said that the Corporation has made it mandatory for all public and private buildings to reserve sufficient parking places.

The City also has an effective traffic management system which is being implemented by the police department.

Talking about disaster management, the Mayor said that the City has a strong and effective disaster management system. In addition, she said, the police and fire departments conduct mock exercises regularly.

 Answering to a question on solid waste management, the Mayor said that the City has a well-planned system. However, she said, “the real waste management system begins at homes. Awareness should be created on waste management among industries, commercial establishments and households.”