After 26 years since its last one, Burnaby is set to host a Federation of Canadian Municipalities meeting again in 2015. It will see just under a few hundred delegates from across the country in the city for a few days.
The national organization represents about 2,000 municipalities and develops policy, programs and works with the federal government. Burnaby will host one of the meetings in 2015.
About 150 people made up of delegates and staff will attend the meeting over the course of three or four days, according to Burnaby Coun. Sav Dhaliwal.
"It's a good shot to the arm of the city's economy," Dhaliwal said. "Burnaby has reason to be proud. We have a fair amount to show the rest of the country."
A successful bid must show that the bidding city has the facilities to host the meeting, and sufficient hotel rooms for the attendees.
"It's a direct advantage to local merchants and hotels," Dhaliwal said. "That's why so many city's are always bidding for it."
Dhaliwal attended the last board meeting from March 6 to 9 in Prince George.
He said one of the highlights was the call to the federal government to develop a national housing strategy.
The major focus was the upcoming 2013 federal budget, according to Dhaliwal.
The organization is lobbying the federal government to continue the long-term infrastructure plan.
The plan sees matched funding from the two top tiers of government to the municipalities to invest in infrastructure, and the agreement expires in 2014.
"We want to make sure the support to the local government is maintained," Dhaliwal said.
The gas tax, which also expires in 2014, helps fund TransLink and the federation wants to ensure it continues, as well, he said.
"We want the funding to continue to be available beyond 2014 and new sources of funding to address the deficit."
The organization celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2012. It held its first national meeting of municipal leaders in 1901. [email protected]
