Collingwood- Katano Sister City

What Is a Sister City?

A Sister City, also known as a Twin Town, is a long-term, officially recognized partnership between two communities in different countries. These relationships are formally approved by municipal leaders, often through agreements signed by mayors, and are designed to promote friendship, cultural understanding, and cooperation across borders. Sister City partnerships are commonly described as a form of citizen diplomacy that strengthens international relations through people-to-people connections.

Why Sister Cities Matter

Sister City relationships gained momentum after the Second World War as a way to rebuild trust, encourage peace, and foster reconciliation between communities that had experienced conflict or division. What began as a peace-building initiative has evolved into a global movement that now connects thousands of cities around the world.

Key Aspects of Sister Cities

Cultural Exchange: Programs often include art exhibitions, musical performances, festivals, and community visits that celebrate shared values and cultural traditions. 

Educational Opportunities: Student exchanges, school partnerships, and learning initiatives allow residents to experience different cultures first-hand.

Economic & Tourism Development: Sister Cities promote travel, local business connections, and knowledge-sharing between communities

Mutual Support: During times of hardship or natural disasters, Sister Cities often show solidarity through fundraising, aid, or messages of support. 

Global Networks: Many Sister City partnerships are supported through organizations such as Sister Cities International, founded in 1956 to encourage peace through citizen diplomacy.

Collingwood’s Sister City Relationships

Collingwood maintains a long-standing and active Sister City relationship with Katano, Japan, established in 1981. Additional Sister City relationships include Boone, North Carolina, USA, and Zihuatanejo, Mexico, reflecting Collingwood’s commitment to international friendship and cultural exchange.

Collingwood has enjoyed a Sister City relationship with Katano, Japan since 1981. This meaningfulpartnership began with the efforts of Rob Shannon, a Collingwood-born resident who was living and working in Katano at the time.

In 1980, Mr. Shannon sent a letter to the Town of Collingwood inviting local participation in a proposed soccer club exchange. While the exchange itself did not materialize, Katano’s Mayor Harada, proposed the establishment of a formal twinning relationship, an approach commonly practiced in Japan. In 1981, an official invitation was extended from Mayor Harada’s office inviting Collingwood to enter into this relationship.

At the time, Ron Emo was mayor of Collingwood. Representing the Town, Deputy Clerk Norris, along with Betty Shannon (Rob Shannon’s mother), travelled to Japan to tour the country and visit Katano. This visit included a formal ceremony in Katano, officially commencing the twinning relationship on November 3, 1981.

Since that time, the Collingwood–Katano Sister City relationship has continued to thrive, supported by dedicated volunteers in both communities who work to keep the partnership active and strong.

About the Sister City Committee

Currently, four active volunteer members serve on the Collingwood Sister City Committee, working with the support of the Town of Collingwood to sustain this long-standing relationship.

To learn more about the Collingwood- Katano Sister City relationship, please contact Customer Service at 705-445-1030 or service@collingwood.ca.

Katano is a small city covering approximately 25 square kilometres, with nearly half of its area surrounded by fields and mountains. Known for its rich natural environment, Katano features eight scenic sights, including Mt. Kono (koh-no). The area also offers numerous trails for hiking and camping, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Katano’s symbolic tree is the cherry tree, its designated flower is the wild azalea, and its representative bird is the pheasant.

As of 2024, Katano had a population of approximately 77,000 residents. The city is well connected to major urban centres, with convenient transportation access by train. Central Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara can all be reached within 30 minutes. Throughout history, Katano has absorbed cultural influences from these surrounding cities, shaping a distinct local character and way of life.

Katano’s history spans more than 1,300 years and includes a wealth of historic shrines and temples, as well as well-known stories, legends, and local folklore. Often described as a small jewel box, Katano blends rich natural beauty with deep historical significance. In ancient times, the area was known as Katanogahara, which included parts of present-day Hirakata City. Nobility from Kyoto would travel to Katano to hunt, enjoy cherry blossom viewing, and compose poetry, highlighting the city’s long-standing cultural importance.

As a lasting symbol of the ongoing Sister City relationship between Collingwood and Katano, the Town of Collingwood sought to dedicate a special park space that would represent international friendship and community connection. Through the collective efforts of the Sister City Committee, Town staff, and local neighbourhood residents, this vision became a reality in the late 1980’s. 

Friendship Gardens was created through volunteer dedication and collaboration and is located at 60 Minnesota Street, just north of the Collingwood OPP Station. The garden stands as a meaningful tribute to the long-standing friendship shared between the two communities.

Designed as a welcoming and peaceful space, Friendship Gardens offers a place for small ceremonies, quiet reflection, and leisurely walks. Surrounded by thoughtful landscaping, the garden invites visitors to pause, connect with nature, and reflect on the importance of cultural understanding and global friendship.

A Place to Gather, Reflect, and Celebrate

Friendship Gardens continues to serve as a tangible reminder that Sister City relationships are built not only through official agreements, but through people, shared experiences, and community spirit.

1979 First Connections Begin

Katano and Collingwood began early interactions thanks to the efforts of Mr. Robert Shannon, a Collingwood-born resident living and working in Katano.

1980 Initial Visit to Collingwood

Before formalizing a Sister City relationship, representatives from Katano, including city staff and community members, officially visited Collingwood.

November 3, 1981 Sister City Relationship Established

Katano and Collingwood formally concluded their Sister City agreement, officially beginning the long-standing relationship.

October 9, 1982 Sister City Association Founded

The Katano–Collingwood Sister City Association was established to support and strengthen ongoing exchanges and community connections.

November 3, 1991 10th Anniversary

The two cities celebrated ten years of friendship and cultural exchange.

November 3, 2001 20th Anniversary

The Sister City relationship marked twenty years of continued connection and collaboration.

August 2003 Memorial at Friendship Gardens

To honour Mr. Aono’s dedication to the Sister City relationship, a memorial stone was installed at Friendship Gardens in Collingwood.

July 1, 2006 Katano International Friendship Association Founded

The Katano International Friendship Association was established as a non-profit organization to further international exchange and ongoing friendship.

November 3, 2011 30th Anniversary

Thirty years of shared history and cultural exchange were celebrated by both communities.

November 3, 2021 40th Anniversary

The Sister City relationship reached its fortieth anniversary, celebrating decades of goodwill and cooperation.

A History of Exchange Between Collingwood and Katano

For more than four decades, residents and representatives from both communities have travelled across the world to visit, learn, and build lasting friendships.

Katano to Collingwood (Visits from Japan to Canada)

1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2017, 2023

Collingwood to Katano (Visits from Canada to Japan)

1981, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2025

Each visit represents a shared commitment to cultural exchange, understanding, and friendship between Collingwood and Katano.