Peterborough County and Drohobych Urban Hromada Sign Historic Twinning Agreement
Peterborough County, ON – Warden Bonnie Clark and Taras Kuchma, Mayor of Drohobych Urban Hromada, Ukraine, today signed a formal twinning agreement, establishing a new international partnership between the two municipalities and marking a significant milestone in Peterborough County's commitment to global cooperation, knowledge sharing and community-building.
“Today marks the beginning of a meaningful relationship between our communities. This twinning agreement reflects our shared commitment to cooperation, resilience, and mutual learning. We are proud to stand alongside the people of Ukraine and look forward to creating opportunities for cultural exchange, economic collaboration and lasting friendships that will benefit residents in both Peterborough County and Drohobych for years to come.” Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County
“True friendship does not begin with a signature on paper, but with trust, human contact, and a common desire to be there. Today, Drohobych Hromada and Peterborough County officially opened a new page in their relations. We strive for this partnership to unite people, municipalities, businesses, public organizations, youth and our veterans. It is extremely important for the Drohobych community to have friends in Canada who not only support Ukraine but are also ready to work with us to build a better future. Thank you, Peterborough County, for your friendship, solidarity and willingness to be our partner for many years ahead. We are not just signing an agreement — we are building a bridge between Ukraine and Canada that will serve our communities today and long after our Victory.” Taras Kuchma, Mayor of Drohobych Urban Hromada
“The signing of this twinning agreement between Drohobych Urban Territorial Hromada and Peterborough County is another important step in strengthening direct ties between Ukrainian and Canadian communities. This partnership creates a practical framework for sharing expertise and developing cooperation in education, culture, economic development, health care, local governance and other areas of mutual interest. At a time when Ukraine continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, such community-to-community partnerships are especially valuable, helping build lasting connections and opening new opportunities for cooperation that will benefit people in both Ukraine and Canada.” His Excellency Andrii Plakhotniuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada
The agreement formalizes a shared commitment to strengthen ties and foster lasting relationships through collaboration in economic development, agrifood, tourism, manufacturing, education, healthcare, sports, culture, and youth engagement. The partnership also creates opportunities to exchange municipal expertise and best practices while encouraging meaningful connections between residents and organizations in both communities.
Located approximately 75 kilometres from the Poland-Ukraine border, Drohobych Urban Hromada consists of two cities and 32 villages and serves a population of approximately 123,000 residents.
The partnership between Peterborough County and Drohobych Urban Hromada was established following consultations with the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Canada-Ukraine Twin Cities Initiative. Drohobych was identified as a strong municipal partner due to its comparable size, shared focus on economic development, agriculture, tourism and community services, as well as its demonstrated commitment to international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Over the coming months, Peterborough County will work with municipal partners, community organizations, educational institutions, cultural groups and businesses to identify opportunities for collaboration and exchange. Areas of focus may include economic development, tourism promotion, agriculture and agri-food innovation, youth engagement, municipal knowledge-sharing, arts and culture, and community development.
To support this work, Peterborough County may establish a community working group comprised of municipal representatives, local agencies and interested stakeholders. The working group will help shape both immediate and long-term initiatives that strengthen relationships between the two communities and create opportunities for meaningful engagement.
Local businesses, educational institutions, cultural organizations, service clubs and residents interested in participating in future exchange and partnership opportunities are encouraged to connect with Peterborough County as the initiative progresses.
"One of the greatest strengths of local government is its ability to bring people together," said Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County. "This partnership creates opportunities for our communities to learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and explore new avenues for economic, cultural and educational growth. We invite our residents, organizations and business community to join us as this relationship develops."
Following the signing ceremony, a commemorative white birch tree was planted, and the Ukrainian flag was raised at the County Courthouse to recognize the new partnership. Native to Canada and Ukraine, the white birch tree was chosen to symbolize renewal, resilience, and new beginnings, serving as a lasting reminder of the friendship, solidarity and growing relationship between Peterborough County and Drohobych Urban Hromada.
Peterborough County encourages local businesses, educational institutions, cultural organizations, service clubs and residents interested in future partnership opportunities to become involved as the initiative develops.
About Peterborough County
Peterborough County is comprised of eight member townships and serves more than 65,000 residents across a diverse region known for its vibrant rural communities, strong agricultural sector, natural heritage and tourism economy.
For more information, please contact:Â
Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
communications@ptbocounty.ca
705-743-0380
