Port Hope considers sister city agreement with Ukraine town
The people of Nadvirna, Ukraine, a tiny tourist town on the west side of the war-torn nation, may soon have new kinfolk in Port Hope.
As a way to demonstrate support for the country, Port Hope council set out this past January to identify a community it could twin with.
Twenty-seven years ago, Cobourg establishing a twinning relationship with Coburg, Germany, and Peterborough has long called Ann Arbor, Michigan its sister city — Port Hope, on the other hand, has never had a twin.
Council recently agreed to negotiate and enter in a twinning agreement with the Ukrainian city of Nadvirna.
With a population of about 22,500, Nadvirna is located in a slightly hilly, lush area some 32 kilometres northeast of the Carpathian Mountains.
Since the start of the 20th century, it’s become popular as a summertime resort, with restaurants and hotels.
According to a report prepared by Port Hope municipal staff, some members of Parliament have encouraged municipalities to consider twinning (or sister city) agreements with similar sized Ukrainian municipalities in an effort to demonstrate support and promote co-operation throughout the ongoing conflict.
Port Hope was approached by Philip Lawrence, MP for Northumberland-Peterborough South, with a recommendation that the municipality consider a twinning agreement with Nadvirna. The staff report states the conflict has significantly impacted Nadvirna.
“Economic instability affects businesses and employment opportunities. While not a direct battleground, the city has seen an influx of internally displaced (people). Humanitarian efforts supporting Nadvirna have included providing shelter, food and medical aid,” the report reads.
The town’s research has indicated officials in Nadvirna have an interest in a proposed twinning with Port Hope.
Upon the agreement being formalized and signed, a presentation to council would follow and could involve Ukrainian representatives who would be invited to attend and participate in the celebration.