Today at City Hall, Mayor Scott Gillingham and Mayor of Lviv Andriy Sadovyy signed a new agreement to reaffirm the sister city friendship agreement between the two cities as part of a celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of Winnipeg’s sister city relationship with Lviv, Ukraine.
“Winnipeg is a city that has deep connections to Ukraine and we want to show the people of Ukraine that we stand with them in their defense of their nation and pursuit of peace, security and prosperity,” said Mayor Gillingham. “I would like to thank the Lviv Sister City Advisory Committee for their work planning the celebration of our sister city relationship. This renewed agreement serves as a testament to the rich history and shared values between our two cities.”
A sister city friendship agreement is a long-term partnership between two cities in two countries with the goal of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. As part of the celebration, a portion of Alexander Avenue from Main Street to Lily Avenue was given the honourary street name Lviv Way to commemorate the anniversary. The Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, Oseredok, is located on the block of Alexander Avenue receiving the honourary street naming.
“With approximately 100,000 Winnipeggers who identify Ukraine as their ethnic origin, there are many ties of family, friendship, history and culture between our two cities.,” said Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyy. “I appreciate the strong support Winnipeg has shown for Ukraine and its people during this unprovoked and unjust war.”
In September, Mayor Gillingham announced a $15,000 contribution from his office budget to the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center in Ukraine. Lviv City Council identified the Center as their project of choice for Winnipeg to support. Those wishing to donate to UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center can do so through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), a registered charity in Canada since 1995. For more information, visit Winnipeg.ca/lviv.