Belgian municipality, home to Passchendaele battle, soon to be sister city to Saugeen Shores

Zonnebeke, Belgium, sister city of Saugeen Shores. (Provided by Saugeen Shores)

A Belgian municipality that’s home to one of the deadliest Canadian battles during World War I will soon become a ‘sister city’ to the Town of Saugeen Shores.

The Municipality of Zonnebeke, Belgium, is expected to formally ratify a “sister city” agreement with Saugeen Shores on June 30.

Zonnebeke is home to Passchendaele, where 16,000 Canadian soldiers died in 1917, capturing German conquered territory.

Passchendaele is considered one of the greatest Canadian military successes, which also came at a horrific price.

“The people of Flanders have never forgotten the Canadians who fought and fell at Passchendaele. They rest in Belgian soil but live on in daily memory. This partnership transforms remembrance into an enduring relationship between our communities,” said John Willetts, Saugeen Shores Passchendaele Sister City Initiative.

The partnership will bring together municipalities, schools, museums, veterans’ organizations, community groups, and local businesses in both countries.

Areas of cooperation include education, cultural exchange, tourism, heritage initiatives, museum collaboration, and community engagement, Willetts said.