| Type of Enterprise |
: |
Participation in International Conferences (as a secretariat for international conferences) |
| Field |
: |
Other (City Development Promotion) |
| Name of Local Authority (Japan) |
: |
Hokkaido Prefecture, City of Sapporo |
| Cooperation Partner |
: |
18 cities in 11 countries |
- Motive for the start of project:
-
Winter cities face the common issue of having to adapt city planning to harsh winter climatic conditions, such as heavy snowfall and cold temperature. Under the slogan “Winter is a Resource and Asset,” the World Winter Cities Association for Mayors (WWCAM) provides winter cities in the world with similar climatic conditions an opportunity to gather together and discuss common issues in order to create livable winter cities. The organization started when the city of Sapporo initiated the Northern Intercity Conference in 1981.
At the eleventh Conference in Anchorage in 2004, it was resolved that the target membership area would be expanded and the name of the association would be changed to the “World Winter Cities Association for Mayors (WWCAM).”
- Outline and Progress of Project:
-
- Winter City Conference of Mayors
The World Winter Cities Conference for Mayors is held every two years to discuss livability in winter cities. Issues related to city planning comprise the main topics of the conference, which also involves exchanges of information and technology among participating mayors.
The twelfth biennial Mayors Conference will be hosted by Changchun, China in 2006, and the thirteenth conference is scheduled for Nuuk, Greenland in 2008.
- Winter Expo & Winter cities Forum
The Mayors Conference host city has the opportunity to concurrently hold the Winter Expo and the Winter Cities Forum.
In the Expo, cooperation of the host city and its businesses and organizations will bring forth an exhibition of various winter- and snow-related machines and products at the Expo, introducing a wide range of technology.
In the Forum, experts and academic researchers in various fields as well as citizens make presentations regarding winter lifestyle and city planning, and exchange their views with other participants
- Working-Level officials Meeting
During the meeting, discussion themes of the next Mayors Conference are reviewed and various issues related to the management of the association discussed.
- Subcommittee
Subcommittees are established to conduct technical research and exchange information on technology among administrators of municipal governments and technocrats. The subcommittees for ”Sustainable Winter Cities Planning” and ”Measures against Terrorism in Northern Cities” are currently conducting research and studies on their respective themes.
- Collaborative Projects
At the eleventh Anchorage Conference in 2004, it was resolved that collaborative projects such as tourism promotion and cultural exchange will be carried out. Details of the projects will be decided at the Working-Level Officials Meeting.
As Collaborative Tourism Promotion of the association, WWCAM member cities will jointly participate in the JATA Travel Fair 2004, which will take place in Tokyo in September.
- Cooperation Period:
-
From 1982 onward
- Affiliations with other Organization:
-
The city of Aomori is a member city in Japan.
- Expenses:
-
Budget in 2003: 18,777,000 Yen
- Difficulties encountered and Solutions:
-
None in particular
- Results and Future Prospects:
-
(Results)
The association has brought forth achievements in a wide range of fields, which include the following:
- Planting of evergreen trees.
- Regulation for studded tires.
- Introduction of hydroelectric power.
- Introduction of sodium lamps for street lights
- Promotion of snow hockey.
- Promotion of cross-country ski courses.
- Opening of parks in winter and introduction of wooden play equipment.
- Citizen' and municipal participation.
- Urban landscape formation
(Prospects)
In accordance with the Revitalization Plan resolved in February 2004, the association will confront various challenges toward its revitalization, including participation in collaborative projects, in order to perform activities which bring about more substantial benefits to member cities.
- Problems:
-
As times change, so do the needs of the member cities regarding the association. The city of Sapporo, home to the association’s secretariat, realizes that it should accurately grasp the member cities’ needs and make every effort to perform activities which bring forth successful outcomes.
- Message:
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The WWCAM promotes cooperation and exchange of ideas contributing to “comfortable Winter City planning,” which is based on the foundation that “Winter is a resources and an asset”. We are aiming for the creation of a “World Winter Cities Network.” If your city is interested in our association, please feel free to contact us.
- Department in charge:
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Sapporo City Hall, International Relations Department
- Updated On:
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August 2004
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