City of Vaughan and City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, sign Sister City Agreement

Cross‑border partnership reinforces shared economic strengths and regional connectivity

Today, during a special signing ceremony, the City of Vaughan and the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, officially signed a Sister City Agreement establishing a strategic economic and cultural partnership to strengthen cross-border collaboration, economic development and cultural exchange.

The agreement connects Vaughan to Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city and a regional economic leader within the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Region, an integrated economic area generating more than $8 trillion in Gross Domestic Product. The partnership reinforces Vaughan’s role in this globally significant region and supports increased cooperation across shared industries and supply chains.

Both cities share strengths in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, food processing and cultural development. The partnership will promote knowledge exchange, business‑to‑business engagement and supplier matchmaking, while advancing shared city‑building priorities, including innovation, public art and inclusive community development.

The agreement builds on prior staff delegations, leadership meetings and the formal endorsement of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International, and has been approved by both City Councils.

Planned initiatives include annual business missions, an economic gateway program, and a joint working group focused on economic collaboration and cultural exchange. Activities may also include public art initiatives, workforce and talent exchanges, and joint city‑building projects, supporting Vaughan’s economic development objectives through investment attraction, export growth and international collaboration.

Cross‑border municipal partnerships are recognized as best practices in North America for strengthening economic ties and supply chain resiliency. This agreement builds on successful regional models such as Windsor–Detroit and Toronto–Chicago, further reinforcing integrated regional economies.

With the agreement signed, both cities will finalize a detailed work plan and begin implementing partnership activities.

QUOTES

“It was a truly special day to welcome City of Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand and City Manager Mark Washington to Vaughan City Hall as we formally embark on a Sister City partnership. This agreement marks an important milestone for Vaughan as we strengthen our connections across the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Region. I am thrilled to work alongside the City of Grand Rapids, its Mayor and its leadership team, and we look forward to establishing strong, ongoing lines of communication to support collaboration at every level. By partnering with Grand Rapids, we are opening new doors for economic collaboration, innovation and cultural exchange that will benefit businesses, residents and institutions in both cities. The City of Vaughan is proud to enter this partnership and excited about the meaningful work ahead as we build a strong, future‑focused relationship together.”

– Mayor Steven Del Duca, City of Vaughan

“What stands out about Vaughan is how much we have in common. 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.”

– Mayor David LaGrand, City of Grand Rapids

“The City of Vaughan is proud to enter into this Sister City partnership with the City of Grand Rapids. Both cities share strong foundations in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, food processing and the creative industries, and this agreement creates new opportunities to strengthen connections across our business, workforce and cultural sectors. I look forward to close collaboration between our staff teams as we advance shared priorities, exchange knowledge and build a productive, long‑term partnership.”

– Zoran Postic, City Manager, City of Vaughan

​“Upon beginning my tenure as Grand Rapids City Manager, I recognized the importance of bolstering our international appeal and North American presence. Formally connecting with a Canadian community was an essential step in that strategy. This Sister City Agreement with the City of Vaughan establishes a robust framework for collaboration between our two organizations. Vaughan’s strategic connection to key industries in the Greater Toronto Metropolitan Area and their commitment to sub-national diplomacy, smart growth, economic development and innovation, provides a wealth of knowledge-sharing opportunities. We believe stakeholder and staff collaboration from both communities will be mutually beneficial as we learn from one another and work together to advance our shared goals.”

– Mark Washington, City Manager, City of Grand Rapids

QUICK FACTS

• The Sister City Agreement between the City of Vaughan and the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was approved by Vaughan Council at the April 28, 2026, Council meeting. 
• The Agreement was formalized during a special signing ceremony between the City of Vaughan and the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 7, 2026. 
• The Sister City Agreement establishes a strategic economic and cultural partnership to strengthen cross-border collaboration, economic development and cultural exchange.

LEARN MORE

• April 14, 2026, Committee of the Whole (2) Report: Economic and Cultural Partnership – Grand Rapids, 2026 (PDF)
• Economic Development department’s website
• Economic Development department’s eNewsletter
• Economic Development department’s LinkedIn