The City of Burnaby celebrated 60 years of friendship with its sister city, Kushiro, Japan, with the official opening of Kushiro Lane—a peaceful new garden space near the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. The renewed area features trees, benches and a beautifully landscaped garden, offering the people of Burnaby a tranquil place to relax and reflect on the enduring bond between the two cities.
To mark this milestone, Burnaby welcomed a delegation from Kushiro led by Mayor Hidenori Tsuruma. Over several days, representatives from Burnaby and Kushiro came together to learn from one another and promote economic and cultural awareness. The celebration culminated on July 13 with the official opening of Kushiro Lane at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Crescent). The City also marked this anniversary with a series of street banners on Southoaks Crescent by Japanese-Canadian artist Danielle Jette.
“Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Burnaby’s sister city relationship with Kushiro highlights the enduring bonds of friendship and collaboration between our communities,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “This milestone reflects our shared history and commitment to future cultural exchange, economic partnership and mutual respect.”
The sister city agreement began in 1965 with Burnaby Mayor Alan Emmott. Over the past 60 years, cultural exchanges and community ties were strengthened through visits, events and commemorations. Milestones included:
- 1982: Creation of the Kushiro Cup to acknowledge Burnaby’s Outstanding Citizen, while the Burnaby Cup was awarded in Kushiro for the same honor.
- 1995: Kamui Mintara sculpture was unveiled on Burnaby Mountain.
- 2015: Area around Kamui Mintara sculpture renamed Kushiro Park to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sister city relationship.
Kushiro Lane is the latest chapter in this ongoing story of friendship, symbolizing the deep connection between the people of Burnaby and Kushiro.