The two Sault Ste. Maries formally sign sister city agreement

It’s not a stretch to call Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario sister cities in any circumstance, but that relationship is now official, as the mayors of both Saults signed a formal sister city agreement this week.

The twin Saults are the first Canada and U.S. border communities to sign such an agreement, which can lead to economic development initiatives, educational and cultural exchanges, and other opportunities. They now have the official name of “Two Nations, One City,” after motions were passed by both city councils, and an agreement between Sault Ontario Mayor Debbie Amaroso and Sault Michigan Mayor Anthony Bosbous was signed at the Sault Ontario Civic Centre.

“Our cities share more than the St. Mary’s River and International Bridge,” says Bosbous. “We have a personal connection, and many of us have friends and family on the other side of the border. We have celebrated together at the same functions, and in times of crisis, we have banded together and provided comfort to one another.”

The agreement comes at a notable time for Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, which is celebrating its centennial as a city this year. Much of that history includes Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, which turns 344 years old this year.

The two cities were part of the same original settlement, but were officially separated by a border treaty in 1817.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mayor Anthony Bosbous, City of Sault Ste. Marie