Photo via PtboCounty.ca
Peterborough County has joined the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, becoming part of a coalition of more than 425 municipal and Indigenous government leaders working to protect freshwater resources while promoting economic growth across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region.
The organization brings together communities from Canada and the United States to advocate for healthy waterways, climate resilience, modern water infrastructure and economic development throughout the region.
Warden Bonnie Clark said joining the initiative comes at an important time for cross-border collaboration.
“Peterborough County is proud to join the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative at a time when partnering with our Canadian and U.S. partners is more important than ever,” Clark said. “The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence region is not only an environmental treasure, it is a critical economic corridor that supports communities and billions of dollars in Canada-U.S. trade.”
Clark said the partnership will strengthen the county’s voice in advocating for policies that protect water quality, agriculture, shipping and long-term economic growth.
Peterborough County, which spans more than 4,000 square kilometres and includes eight townships, says membership will help support collaboration on issues affecting both local communities and the broader Great Lakes region.
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe, the Canadian chair of the Cities Initiative, welcomed Peterborough County to the coalition, saying cooperation is essential as communities respond to economic and environmental challenges while advancing the Fresh Coast Economic Corridor.
The Cities Initiative says its members work together to protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River while positioning the region for continued economic growth.
