For Immediate Release
Monday, April 7, 2025 – Port Hope, ON
The Municipality of Port Hope and the City of Nadvirna, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast (Ukraine) have officially entered into a Twinning Agreement on April 7, 2025. The virtual signing ceremony included Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky and Nadvirna Mayor Zinoviy Andriyovych.
This agreement establishes a formal partnership between the two communities, fostering cooperation in the areas of tourism development, culture and historical architecture, youth cooperation, sports, science and education, environmental protection, economic development, knowledge exchange, and health across various fields.
“Twinning agreements create meaningful connections between communities, allowing us to learn from one another while strengthening international ties,” said Port Hope Mayor Hankivsky. “By formalizing our relationship with Nadvirna, we reaffirm our support for Ukraine and look forward to future collaboration in areas that benefit both municipalities.”
“Thank you to the people of Canada for supporting Ukraine in the time of war,” said Mayor Zinoviy Andriyovych of Nadvirna. “This is very significant for us. Together with international allies we grow stronger and will do everything to defend our Country.”
Twin city agreements, often referred to as sister city relationships, play an important role in enhancing international relations. These partnerships encourage cultural exchange, economic development, and mutual understanding between municipalities that share similar values and aspirations.
Following the signing, the two mayors discussed the creation of a working group borne out of the agreement. This group would include representatives from both communities, including from government offices, local organizations, and youth representatives. The communities have identified health, mental health, and the rehabilitation of Ukraine’s armed forces as their first priority, followed by education and the environment as areas to explore under the new agreement’s working group.
For more details about the agreement, please read the staff report.
Background
The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in widespread devastation, prompting global support initiatives. In response, the Canada–Ukraine Twin Cities Initiative called on Canadian Members of Parliament and Senators to encourage their municipalities to establish twinning agreements with Ukrainian cities as a demonstration of solidarity. MP Philip Lawrence proposed a partnership between Port Hope and Nadvirna, which was approved by Council in 2024. The agreement officially took effect upon signing on April 7, 2025.
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