GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids added a seventh Sister City on Friday, after signing the official agreement with a Canadian city located just outside of Toronto.
Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand and Vaughan, Ontario, Mayor Steven Del Duca signed the agreement Friday with hopes of spurring new international collaboration.
“What stands out about Vaughan is how much we have in common,” Mayor LaGrand said. “Both of our cities are growing, welcoming and investing in arts, culture and quality of life, and we share a strong commitment to innovation, economic opportunity and cultural vitality. At the same time, we each bring unique strengths – from Vaughan’s access to the Toronto region to our leadership in health care and advanced manufacturing. This Sister City Agreement creates meaningful ways for our communities to collaborate and opens real opportunities for our residents, students, artists and businesses to connect and learn from one another. I look forward to building strong connections and advancing initiatives that benefit both cities.”…