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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Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark Elected As Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus Chair

Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark will serve as the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) Chair, announced Friday at its Annual General Meeting.

photo courtesy of the eowc.

The Annual General Meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made throughout eastern Ontario and to look ahead with renewed focus. Bringing together federal, provincial and municipal leaders, the meeting highlighted shared commitment to strengthening the economic vitality, municipal infrastructure, rural health care and overall quality of life for businesses and people in eastern Ontario.

Along with Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County as Chair (acclaimed), the EOWC also announced Nathan Townend, Warden of Lennox and Addington County as Vice-Chair for 2026.

“I am honoured to continue to serve as Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus,” said Clark. “Over the past year, we made meaningful progress, and I look forward to building on that momentum in 2026. By working together with our municipal, provincial and federal partners, we will keep advocating for priorities that matter most to eastern Ontario's rural and small-urban communities.”

EOWC represents the region’s 103 municipalities. Over the past year, the EOWC has continued to advance its strategic priorities, including economic resilience, municipal infrastructure, housing and health care.

In 2026, “the EOWC remains ready to work, and ready to grow with our partners to further these priorities,” the EOWC said in a press release. “Together, we are building a region that is prosperous, connected and prepared for the future.”

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Peterborough County Announces the Acclamation of Bonnie Clark as County Warden

Peterborough County Council has announced the acclamation of Bonnie Clark, Deputy Mayor of Otonabee-South Monaghan, as the County Warden for the last half of this term of County Council.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Clark will serve as Warden of Peterborough County until the next Warden’s Election in December of next year. She is the 126th Warden of Peterborough County.

“It is the honour of my lifetime to serve as Warden of Peterborough County” said Clark. “We are blessed to live in such a great County with stunning natural landscapes, thriving communities of business, agriculture, and tourism, and dedicated community groups that make Peterborough County an amazing place to live. I’d like to thank my County Council colleagues for their trust in my leadership for another two-year term. I promise to continue working hard with a spirit of collaboration for the benefit of all residents of Peterborough County.”

“Warden Clark has proven to be an effective leader at County Council over the past two years” said Sheridan Graham, Peterborough County CAO . “She has hit the ground running with leadership roles in regional groups such as the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, advocacy at all levels of government, and constant community involvement in every corner of Peterborough County. Her experience and dedication are an invaluable asset to our organization and our communities. County staff look forward to continuing our public service under Warden Clark’s leadership.”

As County Warden, Bonnie Clark will lead the County Council and serve as the principal representative of the County in all matters.

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Peterborough County Declares Intimate Partner Violence An Epidemic

Peterborough County Council has formally approved a resolution to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough County is now one of over 30 Municipalities in Ontario to declare IPV an epidemic.

The Council resolution reads:

Therefore Be It Resolved That the Council of the County of Peterborough declare intimate partner violence an epidemic; and That the recommendations from the Renfrew County Coroner’s Inquest be referred to staff for consideration and, where appropriate, integrated within the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan; and That a copy of this motion be sent to The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Sylvia Jones, M.P.P, Minister of Health, Dave Smith, MPP, Peterborough-Kawartha, David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South and Laurie Scott, MPP, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

“Peterborough County recognizes the urgent need for action on Intimate Partner Violence in our area and across Ontario. With this declaration, we acknowledge the immediate threat this crisis poses to the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents and commit to supporting measures to address this issue,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “Through solidarity, effective policies focused on survivors, and collective action at all levels of government and society, we can create a safer community for all.”

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Peterborough County to Welcome Winner of 'Warden For a Day' Contest to Council On Wednesday

Peterborough County Council is welcoming the winning Peterborough County secondary school student into Council Chambers as ‘Warden For a Day’ on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The contest was announced during local government week, launched last October, with the contest ending on Nov. 3.

This contest aims to inform students in the local community about the Warden's responsibilities, the services Peterborough County provides for its residents and the various career and elected office opportunities within local government according to a press release.

Grade 9 to 12 Peterborough County students were asked to submit a 60-second video answering two questions:

1. What do you love about living in Peterborough County?

2. What is one thing that you would do as Warden of Peterborough County?

The winning student will join Warden Bonnie Clark for the County Council meeting and they will also assist with the official presentation of the VIP Trophy for the 2023 Peterborough County Plowing Match. There is also a tour of Peterborough County facilities and will receive parting gifts.

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Peterborough County Launches 'Warden for a Day' Campaign For Grade 9-12 Students

In celebration of last week (Local Government Week), Peterborough County is inviting youth in grades 9 – 12 to enter the ‘Warden for a Day,’ contest running until Nov. 3.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This initiative aims to inform students in the local community about the Warden's responsibilities, the services Peterborough County provides for its residents and the various career and elected office opportunities within local government according to a press release. The County says it aspires to raise awareness among young people about the significance of engaging in their local government.

The winner will be invited to participate in the Nov. 22 Peterborough County Council meeting and will join Warden Bonnie Clark at the County Courthouse for a lunch, a tour of County facilities and prizes

To enter, students must answer two questions in the format of a 60-second video:

1. What do you love about living in Peterborough County?

2. What is one thing that you would do as Warden?

The online submission form can be found online with the deadline on Nov. 3 at midnight.

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