It was supposed to be a major coup for the City of Burnaby.
The municipality had received an international award for the accessibility of the Edmonds Community Centre.
It was just one of four facilities in the world being recognized by the International Paralympic Committee and International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities.
So, to fetch the award, Coun. Dan Johnston was sent to represent council at a ceremony in Cologne, Germany.
But on the way home at the airport, he slipped and fell, breaking his hip.
Mayor Derek Corrigan acknowledged the incident at a recent council meeting, thanking Johnston for his “sacrifice.”
“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to councillor Johnston, who paid a big price for going and getting this award for us,” he told council, adding the councillor had his hip operated on and is recovering in hospital. “Tonight it’s bitter to receive this award.”
The mayor also wished Johnston a quick recovery.
Exactly how long the councillor will be away from seat is unclear.
The NOW attempted to reach out to Johnston, but he did not return any calls.
But the situation has at least one fellow colleague questioning the type of coverage councillors have when they’re doing official business on behalf of the city.
Coun. Nick Volkow said the incident raises the question of whether councillors are employees of the city, noting politicians are often attending events like business openings and roof-top ceremonies for construction projects.
He indicated the city’s finance committee is looking at the issue but couldn’t offer much more information.
“This is really a new situation for all of us,” Volkow said, noting Johnston took time off work to attend the ceremony in Germany on the city’s behalf. “It’s not unique to us. Every city councillor in my understanding in the province is not covered by WorkSafe.”
As for the community centre’s recognition, the Award of Distinction honours sports and leisure facilities that, by being highly accessible, offer all people the opportunity to practise and view sport freely and without barrier, according to a city press release.
