Barrie/Saginaw Sister City Initiative
With the signing of the Economic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between Ontario and Michigan in 2023 and connections made through the region’s Ontario Trade and Investment Office in Chicago, the City of Barrie’s International Relations Committee was presented with an opportunity to explore a Sister City relationship with the City of Saginaw, Michigan.
This opportunity aligned well with Barrie’s economic objectives and on May 30, 2024, the City entered into a Sister City agreement with Saginaw marking the first Sister City relationship in North America for both cities, creating an opportunity for an easily accessible partnership with frequent visits and opportunities for collaboration.
The purpose of the Sister City relationship is to promote cooperation and exchange, aiming to elevate and enrich both communities while also fulfilling international objectives and bolstering the economic landscapes, establishing a foundation for sustainable growth and mutual benefits.
A number of activities have been carried out as part of the partnership, demonstrating significant progress in a short period and the commitment of both communities to the relationship.
In late May 2024, a delegation from Barrie including International Relations Committee members, Mayor Alex Nuttall, members of Council, City staff, and Georgian College representatives travelled to Saginaw for a tour and official Sister City Agreement signing. The City of Barrie was hosted by Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore, members of Saginaw City Council, Saginaw City staff and representatives from Saginaw Valley State University. The tour provided a great introduction to Saginaw and inspired many ideas for future exploration.
Then, in mid October 2024, Barrie hosted a delegation from Saginaw for a tour. The delegation received a comprehensive overview of Barrie’s economic landscape and visited key employment areas, with a particular focus on the health sector, as both cities are seeing significant investments made in this area. The delegation also toured Georgian College and Lakehead University and discussed potential synergies and areas of alignment.
With each group now having had the opportunity to visit the other and gain insight into similarities, unique challenges, and opportunities of each community, discussions are focusing on economic and educational growth activities that can benefit both communities.
A key external target audience for Sister City initiatives is the manufacturing community. Saginaw representatives have already engaged with a group of Barrie manufacturers who are acting as ambassadors to begin fostering connections.
Post-secondary students are another target audience. Georgian College and Lakehead University have met with Saginaw Valley State University to discuss areas of alignment, cross-border connections, and what benefits they could bring their students by working together.
Having a Sister City in close geographic proximity that faces some similar social and economic challenges provides a valuable opportunity to learn from each other’s approaches to embracing diversity and working toward more equitable and inclusive communities. Given the current economic climate, and American/Canadian relations, it is important that communications stay strong and positive during these times between our two cities.
Saginaw Press Conference Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqfkg9zkNAs
