Canmore – Canmore and Sedona, Arizona, are officially designated as sister cities.

The two communities formally approve the agreement at Canmore Public Library on June 28 after Canmore Council approved the move during the June 3 meeting.

“At this point, Canadian-American relations are of paramount interest and concern, but I would like to let people know this incredible panel in the Canadian Municipal Federation. These six panels have mayors from Canada and the United States.

“They were talking together about the importance of arrangements and cooperation. The silver lining of this whole tariff debate is that relations between the US and Canadian municipalities have never been stronger.”

Sister city agreements are formal agreements between two municipalities of different countries, often formed to promote stronger relationships. These may be intended to promote cultural exchanges, economic ties, or other mutual benefits.

This concept was created following the conclusion of World War II as a way to promote reconciliation and rebuild international relations around the world.

Sedona Sister City Association was established on February 8, 2022 as a volunteer-led non-profit organization.

Canmore and Sedona are both similar mountain communities, boasting hot spots for tourism, captivate outdoor recreationists, surrounded by protected areas and maintaining a vibrant arts culture. They each have a similar group of about 16,000 residents.

Canmore was identified as a potential sister city to Sedona based on shared characteristics and values, including shared characteristics and natural beauty of the place, a strong commitment to sustainability, a tourism-based economy, and experiencing similar community challenges and opportunities.

Krausert said conditions from Sedona were approaching him and some similarities were found between the two communities. He said he and his wife traveled to Sedona to meet with community members, local government staff, and elected officials, and more information.

“It is very important to learn from past relationships that these relationships have been given and that these are these lessons. To be sustainable, sister urban relations must be driven by the community, not by elected officials who change over time.”

In May 2024, the two communities signed a friendship agreement. Since then, the associations of the two communities have seen important relationship building and have been in a position to demand that their respective councils support the relationships of their sister cities.

There is an exchange between Canmore and Sedona, including delegations, school partnerships, artistic collaborations and cultural initiatives.

The town of Canmore previously signed a sister city agreement with Hiroshima in Japan.

“[During] On my first visit to Sedona, I felt a strong familiarity, not only in the stunning natural environment, but also in the place and the spirit of its people. Like Canmore, Sedona portrays people who want something deeper. “We’ve seen a lot of people who have been involved in the Canmore Sedona Friendsey,” said Rob Sealey, a former Canmore Councillor who spoke on behalf of the Canmore Sedona Friendsey Committee.

“There is a shared energy between our towns, such as a respect for nature, a culture of health and creativity, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging. This foundation is the foundation of this journey and the heart of the connections of our sister cities.”

It was noted that the Sister City Contract is not expected to cover the costs or require town staff time as part of the approval.

Sealy added that Sedona’s council had already unanimously approved the agreement in May.

He emphasized that sister city agreements are not politically relevant, but between two communities.

“It’s about people-to-people relationships and it’s based on friendship, critical understanding and the desire to build something positive together,” Seely said.

“Sedona approached us three years ago. The political situation was very different, but it hasn’t changed. They are generous, kind and deeply respectful. They want to be friends. This is long-term. They are our kind of people.”