MEDIA RELEASE November 25, 2015

Town hosts visit from Chinese dignitaries HALTON HILLS, ON – Mayor Rick Bonnette and members of Council hosted six visiting municipal officials from one of the largest cities in China, opening the possibility of a partnership between the two communities. “The role of municipal governments has steadily changed. Years ago, we would never host a visit like this, now we see the potential mutual benefits and are honoured and pleased to welcome officials from Chengdu City, China,” said Mayor Rick Bonnette. Chengdu City, with a population of 15 million, is the fourth largest city in China and is located in the south west region of the country. The visiting officials included the City’s Vice Mayor Tian Rong. Vice Mayor Rong said she was impressed with the natural beauty of Halton Hills and she proposed future reciprocal visits by both municipal and business leaders. In addition, she would like the two communities to consider formalizing a twinning. Chengdu City is described as a progressive and economically successful community, with more than 230 of the Fortune Top 500 companies having a branch in the city. It is also home to 40 universities and a giant panda breeding centre. The two pandas that currently reside in the Toronto Zoo came from Chengdu City. “We appreciate the visit and Council will discuss at a future meeting the possibility of forging closer ties between the two communities,” added Mayor Bonnette. “We feel fortunate that they selected Halton Hills as a place they wanted to visit.” The visit by Chengdu City officials is the second hosted by the Town. In October, municipal leaders from the Government of Changning County and Baoshan City paid a visit. In addition, earlier this year Mayor Bonnette participated in a trade mission to China, meeting Chinese government officials and businesses from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Fuzhou and Beijing.

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Town Council received a trade delegation from Chengdu City, China. - 30 -

For further information contact: Mayor Rick Bonnette Town of Halton Hills 905-873-2601, ext. 2340 Email: [email protected]