How familiar are you with Twinning in Niagara and what role do you think municipalities have in international relationships?
I was familiar with St. Catharines’ longstanding Twin City relationship with Port of Spain, but this questionnaire gave me an opportunity to learn more about the history and the work the Association continues to do in our community. I see a role for municipalities in supporting international relationships where they create meaningful cultural, educational, community or economic connections. For St. Catharines, a relationship that has existed for almost 60 years is part of our civic history and provides an opportunity to build connections beyond our borders while creating benefits here at home.
The Twin City model in Niagara is run by a non-profit. Other municipalities run it through their economic development departments or other city staff. How do you see the future of Mundialization and Twin Cities operating in Niagara?
I see value in the current community-led model. A volunteer, non-profit organization can build relationships and deliver cultural and educational initiatives without requiring the municipality to create a separate administrative structure. At the same time, the City and Niagara Region can be partners where appropriate, particularly when opportunities align with economic development, education, tourism, cultural exchange or community-building. I would favour collaboration between Twinning, municipalities and community partners, with clear objectives and meaningful benefits for the communities involved.
Would you support the maintenance of our Twin City relationship as is OR want to see more Twin City relationships at either the lower or upper tier municipal level? Why?
I support maintaining and strengthening our existing relationship with Port of Spain. Nearly 60 years of history has value, and I would first focus on ensuring that relationship remains active and meaningful. I would also be open to considering additional relationships in the future where there is a clear cultural, educational or economic rationale and demonstrated community benefit. I would not expand simply for the sake of adding Twin Cities; any new relationship should have clear objectives, committed partners and a realistic plan for sustaining it.
What role do you see St. Catharines Twinning play in Regional Twin City and mundialization efforts based on your answer to the question above?
St. Catharines Twinning has decades of experience and an established community network, so I see it continuing to play an important role in these efforts. The Association can help maintain the Port of Spain relationship, connect residents and organizations with opportunities for cultural and educational exchange, and work with municipal and regional economic development and community partners when opportunities arise. If Niagara considers additional international partnerships in the future, the Association’s experience should be part of that discussion. The goal should be to build on what already works while ensuring these relationships continue to produce meaningful benefits for residents and participating communities.