Peterborough County has officially established a new international partnership with a municipality in Ukraine, opening the door to cultural exchanges, economic collaboration and shared community initiatives.
Warden Bonnie Clark and Taras Kuchma, Mayor of Drohobych Urban Hromada, signed a formal twinning agreement aimed at strengthening ties between the two communities.
The agreement outlines opportunities for cooperation in economic development, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, education, healthcare, sports and culture.
“Today marks the beginning of a meaningful relationship between our communities,” said Clark. “This twinning agreement reflects our shared commitment to cooperation, resilience, and mutual learning.”
Drohobych Urban Hromada is located approximately 75 kilometres from the Poland-Ukraine border and includes two cities and 32 villages, with a combined population of approximately 123,000.
The Ukrainian municipality was selected following consultations with the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, Ontario’s Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Canada-Ukraine Twin Cities Initiative.
County officials say the communities share interests in agriculture, tourism, economic development and municipal services.
Mayor Kuchma welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining international connections as Ukraine continues to face the impacts of war.
“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.” Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada, Andrii Plakhotniuk, also welcomed the agreement, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian and Canadian communities.
Over the coming months, Peterborough County plans to work with businesses, educational institutions and community organizations to identify potential exchanges and joint initiatives.
A community working group may also be established to help guide the partnership.
Following the signing ceremony, officials planted a commemorative white birch tree and raised the Ukrainian flag at the County Courthouse.
The tree, native to both countries, was selected to symbolize resilience, renewal and new beginnings.
Peterborough County is encouraging residents, businesses and local organizations interested in future partnership opportunities to become involved as the relationship develops.
