The City of Brantford signed a winning agreement on Friday with Kamianets-Podilskyi in Ukraine.
In a news release, the city said the Agreement on Twinness and Cooperation signed by mayors of both municipalities lays the foundation for collaborative work that will be done in a number of fields, including youth co-operation, development of tourism and culture, science and education, protection of the environment and cultural moments and exchange of experience in various fields.
“Of course, our top priority is to provide support for Ukrainians in need of refuge and resettlement,” Mayor Kevin Davis said in the news release.
“Just as Kamianets-Podilskyi has done by using its schools and college dormitories to house people who are escaping from areas of Ukraine where the ravages of war are most intense, it is my sincere hope that should our sister city require support, we, and the generous citizens of Brantford will answer the call.”
Kamianets-Podilskyi, a city in southwest Ukraine, near the borders of Moldova and Romania, hasn’t been ravaged like other parts of the country since the Russian invasion more than a month ago. But it took in more than 20,000 internal displaced people who have fled their homes as the war rages.
Like Brantford, Kamianets-Podilskyi has a population of 100,000 people.
Brantford-Brant MP Larry Brock, who attended the official signing at city hall, expressed his support.
“During these challenging times, we are here to help our new sister city and Ukrainians who are looking for a safe haven in Canada.”
A local committee is currently being formed that will include municipal staff and representatives from other local agencies, who together will determine how to best provide both short- and long-term support to Ukraine.