Kouvola 2009 - The town by the Kymi River

The municipalities in Kouvola region, Anjalankoski, Elimäki, Jaala, Kouvola, Kuusankoski and Valkeala, will merge to form the new town of Kouvola on 1 January 2009.

Achieving more together

The local government and services structure reform, which aims to reshape Finnish municipalities and municipal services, is the response to challenges brought about by globalisation and an ageing population.

By combining their forces, the municipalities in Kouvola region strives for a positive demographic development in the area and ensure the availability and high standard of services also in the future. The new town of Kouvola will be more than the sum of its parts. In line with the objectives of the national PARAS project to reform local government and service structures, the current six municipalities in Kouvola region will be revitalized by merging into one.

Objectives of the merger:

• increasing the competitiveness, attractiveness and significance of the area
• safeguarding services and improving the residents' living conditions
• diversifying the industrial structure
• balancing the municipal finances
• developing the administrative structures
• enhancing democratic decision-making.

Near to everything

The urban region of Kouvola is located in Southeast Finland, in the northern part of the Province of Kymenlaakso.

Good traffic connections make the region highly accessible, and both the Helsinki metropolitan area and St Petersburg in Russia are within an easy reach. Logistically, Kouvola is a central hub of road and rail transports. The improving connections are making the region increasingly interesting both as a residential area and business base.

Look to the future

The new Kouvola will be a versatile town of some 90,000 inhabitants with good services and a competitive environment for both residents and enterprises.

This town takes a bold look to the future and is an attractive place to live. The good services of the town, the peace of the countryside and many recreational facilities can offer alternatives for both housing and leisure.

For residents and businesses, the new Kouvola will offer:

• inexpensive living
• a versatile selection of building plots
• short distances – no congestion
• good logistic benefits and connections
• a progressive operating environment for businesses