Peterborough County and Ukrainian Community Sign Historic Twinning Agreement

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough County has officially partnered with a Ukrainian municipality to build connections between the two communities, with opportunities for local businesses, schools, cultural organizations and residents to get involved.

Representatives from Peterborough County and Drohobych Urban Hromada gather following the signing of a historic twinning agreement on October 14th, 2026, establishing a new partnership between the Ontario community and Ukraine. (Photo Courtesy of Peterborough County)

Warden Bonnie Clark and Taras Kuchma, Mayor of Drohobych Urban Hromada in Ukraine, signed a formal twinning agreement on October 14th, establishing an international partnership focused on sharing knowledge, strengthening community ties and creating opportunities for collaboration.

The agreement covers several areas of mutual interest, including economic development, agriculture and agri-food, tourism, manufacturing, education, healthcare, sports, culture and youth engagement.

Located approximately 75 kilometres from the Poland-Ukraine border, Drohobych Urban Hromada includes two cities and 32 villages, with a population of approximately 123,000 residents.

The partnership was developed 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 suitable partner because of its comparable size and shared interests in agriculture, tourism, economic development and community services.

“This twinning agreement reflects our shared commitment to cooperation, resilience, and mutual learning,” said Clark. “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.”

How the Community Can Get Involved

Over the coming months, Peterborough County will work with local municipalities, businesses, educational institutions and community organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration.

Potential initiatives include tourism promotion, agricultural innovation, youth engagement, cultural exchanges and sharing municipal expertise. The County may also establish a community working group to help guide short- and long-term projects.

Local businesses, educational institutions, cultural organizations, service clubs and residents interested in participating are encouraged to connect with Peterborough County as the partnership develops.

A Symbol of Friendship Between Canada and Ukraine

Following the signing ceremony, a commemorative white birch tree was planted and the Ukrainian flag was raised at the County Courthouse.

Native to both Canada and Ukraine, the white birch was chosen to symbolize renewal, resilience and new beginnings, representing the growing relationship between the two communities.

Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Andrii Plakhotniuk, also highlighted the importance of the agreement, describing it as a practical framework for cooperation in areas such as education, culture, economic development, healthcare and local governance.

The partnership aims to create lasting connections between people and organizations in Peterborough County and Drohobych, opening the door to shared learning and new opportunities for both communities.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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