ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: February 11, 2002
Author/Local: D.H. Rudberg/7300

RTS No. 02549

CC File No. 2004

Council: March 5, 2002

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	World Road Association (PIARC)

CONSIDERATION

THAT City Council approve a grant of $1,000 to PIARC as an assistance in offsetting the costs of their Executive Meeting which will be held in Vancouver, in April, 2002, the source of funds to be Streets Capital Account 10005947 for materials research.

COUNCIL POLICY

· City Council has periodically supported various organizations in their meeting costs where City staff have been involved in the organization and the meeting arrangements.

· Grants require a two-thirds vote of City Council.

DISCUSSION

PIARC is an international organization which identifies emerging road and road transport issues and research and develops strategies for responding to them. It regularly shares information through papers, publications and meetings. The most important benefit is the informal network of contacts in the area of roadway development, maintenance and rehabilitation. The City of Vancouver has been a member of PIARC for about two years.
In April this year, an Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Vancouver. This meeting will bring together 30 to 40 representatives from various countries including Switzerland, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Chile, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, etc. The City is assisting with the meeting arrangements.

PIARC has requested financial support in hosting the meeting. At this time, TransportCanada, the Province of British Columbia, and two local companies S.N.C. Lavalin and MARTEC Recycling Corporation have agreed to assist in the meeting arrangements. It is proposed for Council consideration that a grant of $1,000 be provided to offset the meeting costs.

Funding of $1,000 for this meeting can be made available from Streets Capital Account 10005947 for materials research, as the work done by PIARC is relevant to our research efforts.

* * * * *

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver