In this time of Remembrance, John Willetts brought to Saugeen Shores Town Council a proposal to create a ‘twinning’ with Zonnebeke in Belgium.
Willetts has a passion when it comes to war history. His mother was a nurse in a burn hospital in London following D-day, his father was in the Royal Air Force and his stories of war-time connections with veterans drives his passion for ensuring that war memories are carried on.
Willetts outlined the reasons behind the ‘twinning’ proposal. In Bruce County, 3,824 enlisted in the Great War, WWI, with 478 from Saugeen Shores and Saugeen First Nation. Of those young men, 58 never returned and, today, seven lie in Flanders Field.
Willetts, who has attended Remembrance Day ceremonies in France and will be attending in Belgium this year (2025) on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, explained that he has been in contact and discussions with officials in Zonnebeke about a possible twinning with Saugeen Shores.
While some may ask why twin with Zonnebeke, according to Willetts, there are several reasons. Firstly, there are 2,000 Canadians who rest in Belgium – seven from Saugeen Shores. It also has many similarities to Saugeen Shores – agricultural roots and a strong rural identity, tourism and a heritage economy, a deep remembrance culture and an approximately similar population of 20,000–25,000 residents.
“This is about the birth of our Nation,” said Willetts. “On a broader scale, 12,000 Canadians rest in Belgium and the Canadian Maple Leaf still flies on Canada Way, a street in Passchendaele.”
Willetts said that he has already garnered the support of MPP Lisa Thompson, the Chamber of Commerce, Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command, Royal Canadian Legion Southampton Branch 155, Saugeen District Senior School and Historian Bill Streeter, along with an expression of interest by Cathy McGirr, Director of Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre.
A sister city or twin town relationship is a form of legal or social agreement between two geographically and politically distinct localities for the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties. The modern concept of town twinning appeared during the Second World War and can be described as two cities in different countries that have a formal “twinning” or “sister city” agreement to promote cultural and commercial ties. The agreement often involves exchanging ideas, promoting tourism, and fostering international cooperation.
Some cities in Canada have ‘twinned’ with several international cities. Hamilton, for instance, has twinned with nine cities, from Mexico and the United States to China and Japan, while Edmonton has twinned with cities in Canada, the U.S., China and South Korea.
According to Willetts, there are many advantages for having a ‘twinned’ or ‘sister’ community. ” There can be Culture & Heritage exchanges through museums and remembrance partnerships, education with school and youth exchanges, tourism & economy through Global Viability and a National profile that provides connection to Canada’s history.”
“In a time of global uncertainty and fading remembrance,” added Willetts, “partnerships like this renew our sense of identity and pride. Together we give lasting meaning to our history, and ensure that Canada’s story continues to be told.”
In his delegation, Willetts asked that a Letter of greeting and interest to Zonnebeke be sent by Mayor Luke Charbonneau. The Mayor agreed that an initial letter be written with more formal steps to follow.
For Willetts’ presentation, CLICK HERE.
