One Sarnia councillor has decided he's going to attend a cycling conference in the Netherlands next year, even though the group declined private funding to pay for the trip.
City council unanimously agreed with the integrity commissioner's recommendation Monday, to not accept funding offered by the nuSarnia Foundation to meet the Dutch Cycling Embassy at its City Builder’s Symposium.
George Vandenberg said he would be going regardless.
"I looked at this and I did receive some phone calls from people that didn't like this I guess, or that the money was being advanced, but in any event, I just wanted to let you know I'm going," Vandenberg declared. "I want to take advantage of this. I think it's important. I think it's a great opportunity to go and see this and get some good training and so I will be attending."
Vandenberg, however, didn't specify who would be paying for his trip.
Speaking with Sarnia News Today on Tuesday, Vandenberg confirmed he would be footing the bill himself.
"I'm paying for my own trip," he said. "I had planned on going, in any event, to Europe, because I still have some family there I wanted to visit because COVID prevented that, and then take part in this symposium when I'm there."
Vandenberg said this way there are no conflicts.
"I'm paying for it all. One hundred per cent out of my pocket and I'm glad to do it. It will be a great learning experience."
Vandenberg said he's made the nuSarnia Foundation aware of his plans, and he has been told "by a couple" other councillors that they're interested too.
"I'm hoping that they will [come]. It would be a good chance to show them around the Netherlands a little bit."
Chief Administrative Officer Chris Carter announced during the meeting that staff would also decline the funding if council adopted the recommendation.
"Based on the IC's [integrity commissioner] comments, staff will be following the same suit and we will not be attending the conference over in the Netherlands," said Carter. "However, staff is excited to still work with the group and find some alternatives where we could."
The work study tour is to be held in June.