Space in the Spotlight as Portsmouth and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Become ‘sister cities’

Portsmouth and Canadian city, Halifax, Nova Scotia, are now ‘sister cities’, following an agreement signed on Thursday 19 January, which aims to explore new business potential across a range of sectors including satellite applications.

The agreement, signed by Mayor of Halifax, Mike Savage, and the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Hugh Mason, will also develop opportunities in the shipbuilding, oceanology and maritime industries.

The two cities are keen to explore a partnership between naval bases and ports, visitor economy links and best practice on clean technology and sustainability, with both parties committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions.

The South Coast Centre of Excellence in Satellite Application’s Centre Manager, Louise Butt, was one of the speakers at a meeting to support the occasion. Guests included Nancy Philips, Vice President of Investment and International Partnerships, Halifax Partnership and Gordon Gale from the Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia, along with the economic growth team from Portsmouth City Council.

Key Portsmouth organisations including BAE Systems, Airbus, Portico, Portsmouth International Port and HM Naval Base.

Louise Butt said: “It was a privilege to be able to introduce the Halifax delegation to the region’s thriving space sector and Space South Central.

“One of our main aims is to encourage international collaborations, and Portsmouth becoming ‘sister cities’ with Halifax is an exciting opportunity for new space-focused projects and investment in the region.”

Mike Savage, Mayor of Halifax, said:

“This agreement with Portsmouth builds on the relationships that already exist between the naval bases and universities in both cities and will enable us to explore new economic opportunities together that will generate business, jobs and growth in both regions.”

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

“This formal agreement to become a ‘sister city’ with Halifax in Nova Scotia opens real potential to expand on work to develop a significant partnership focused on business, our visitor economy and shared commitment to be net zero for the wider benefit of our city.”