Vernon’s family has grown.
City council has formally recognized a new sister city relationship with Sri Anandpur Sahib, India.
“We have a large East Indian community here and it will be a great relationship,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe.
Sri Anandpur Sahib is in the Punjab region and much of its economic focus is agriculture.
“The residents of Sri Anandpur Sahib are very happy to extend co-operation in establishing mutual brotherhood and world peace,” said G.K. Singh, deputy commissioner of Roopnagar in Punjab, India.
The City of Vernon will send a welcome letter and gift to Sri Anandpur Sahib to recognize the partnership.
Vernon will also update its signage, print material and website to reflect its Indian counterpart.
Vernon’s other sister cities are Modesto, California; Tome, Japan; Frankenburg, Austria; Saint-Lambert, Quebec and Tavullia, Italy.
A sign outside of city hall provides distances to each community.
Vernon’s sister cities committee is run by volunteers and the purpose is to exchange information and cultural experiences.
Vernon has previously received visitors from some sister cities, and there have been occasional visits of local residents to those communities.
Fundraising assists with any exchanges, and those who go on trips cover their own expenses.
