Friendship City
In 2024, Prince Edward County Council approved a new Friendship City Policy . This is the first of its kind for Prince Edward County. And in September of 2025, Prince Edward County entered into its first Friendship City relationship with Krasyliv, Ukraine.
What is a Friendship City?
A Friendship City is similar to a Sister City Agreement, but it is more flexible and informal. These partnerships usually have a defined timeframe and involve little to no cost to the municipality.
Friendship City relationships focus on building connections, sharing ideas, and promoting each community — while allowing each partner to shape the details in a way that works best for them.
A Sister City Agreement is a formal partnership between two municipalities that supports cultural, economic, and community exchange.
Pictured: In 2025, the Krasyliv Friendship City Working Group invited the Prince Edward County community to sign Christmas cards that were then sent to elementary schools in Krasyliv. Nearly 500 handwritten Christmas cards were sent overseas. Cards were thoughtfully signed by patrons of the Prince Edward County Public Library and the following Prince Edward County cchools: Kente Public School, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute, Sonrise Christian Academy, Sophiasburgh Central School, and St. Gregory Catholic School.
Prince Edward County's First Friendship City
How the Friendship Began
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, County Council passed a resolution directing staff to investigate the establishment of a twin-city relationship with a community in Ukraine. Council stated its desire to forge a partnership with a community of comparable size that had a connection to the delegation of Ukrainians that came to Prince Edward County in 2019
It became clear that a Friendship City — a more flexible and community-focused partnership — would work best. Krasyliv Territorial Community was identified as a strong match.
Work continued throughout 2024 to build the relationship, develop a guiding policy, and form a local Friendship City Working Group to help move the initiative forward.
By September 2025, this work came together in a formal Friendship City Agreement, which has now been signed by representatives from both Krasyliv and Prince Edward County, marking the beginning of an ongoing partnership between our communities.
Friendship City with Krasyliv, Ukraine
Prince Edward County has proudly established its first-ever Friendship City with Krasyliv, Ukraine.
This partnership is rooted in a shared goal of fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. Together, the two communities are exploring opportunities for joint initiatives in areas such as arts and culture, education, sports and youth services, tourism, environmental stewardship, public health, and business development.
In fall 2025, the Krasyliv Friendship City Working Group organized a community Christmas card campaign, inviting residents to sign locally designed cards with messages of support. A total of 492 handwritten cards were sent to schools in Krasyliv in time for the 2025 holiday season.
Pictured is Mayor Steve Ferguson and Don Leslie (Rotary Club of Picton), members of the Krasyliv Friendship City Working group, with the Christmas cards that were signed by students and community members and then delivered to elementary schools in Kraysliv, Ukraine.
The Working Group continues to build on this connection through new initiatives. During a conversation with Kraysliv Mayor Nila Ostrovska, members asked how the community could offer meaningful support during this time. One request stood out: sports equipment for local children.
In response, the group is raising funds to purchase and deliver 200 soccer balls to elementary schools in Krasyliv. This initiative reflects the shared commitment to supporting youth through sport, education, and community connection.
Donations are currently being accepted to support this and future initiatives.
June 29 Project and Fundraising Launch Event
The Krasyliv Friendship City Working Group held a launch event on June 29, 2026. The event was a great success with approximately 50 people in attendance. Mayor Ferguson and other working group members spoke about the history of the Friendship City and the goals of agreement. There were guest speakers from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) – Durham Region Branch.
The Rotary Club of Picton and Councillor Bill Roberts made donation cheque presentations. The 4H Sport and Nutrition Club also made a donation of funds raised through a plant, yard, and bake sale. All funds raised will go toward the purchase soccer balls for students in Krasyliv.