From February 20 - 25, 2026, the Town of Collingwood was honoured to welcome municipal staff from Ghana as part of the PMI-WILL (Partnership for Municipal Innovation-Women in Local Leadership) initiative, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and financially supported by Global Affairs Canada. This international exchange brings together municipal leaders committed to strengthening inclusive, gender-responsive local governance. Over the past two years, Canadian municipal volunteers from Collingwood and Halton have collaborated with Ghanaian partners through training and knowledge-sharing. This in-person visit deepened that peer-to-peer exchange. During their time in Collingwood, delegates participated in:
- Council and Committee engagement
- Workshops on inclusive service delivery, gender responsiveness, and emergency management
- Conversations on leadership, community engagement, and climate change
- An informative session from My Friend’s House, a local non-profit agency offering support and shelter for women and children facing domestic abuse
Proudly showcasing Collingwood’s history, culture, and community spirit was also on the agenda! Delegates experienced this by touring local landmarks and public art throughout Downtown Collingwood, attending a Collingwood Blues hockey game, and enjoying local food and shopping. The visit also provided opportunities to celebrate Ghanaian culture and strengthen the professional relationships formed through this partnership, including the shared singing of national anthems - a meaningful reminder of the collaboration and mutual respect at the heart of this initiative.
Heartfelt thanks go out to the Collingwood businesses, facilities, and community partners who extended a warm welcome to our visitors. Your hospitality helped make this exchange both impactful and memorable! This visit reflects Collingwood’s commitment to collaboration and international partnerships, while strengthening inclusive, resilient communities both locally and globally.