It's the final day of a two-trade mission for Toronto's business leaders and politicians, in Chicago attempting to develop relationships with those in the Windy City as a way of creating jobs on both sides of the border.

There is a loaded itinerary of events for the more than 60 delegates taking part in the mission, including a tour of Chicago's famed waterfront, a speech from the US Ambassador to Canada, and a meeting between Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Wednesday's events include a breakfast where Mayor Ford will meet with some of Chicago's business leaders as well as a meeting at 11:30 a.m., where the two mayors will meet.

The two mayors will re-sign a sister city agreement between Toronto and Chicago first signed in 1991.

Delegates from both sides of the border say it's natural to try and want to foster greater ties between cities. Toronto and Chicago are the two biggest cities on the Great Lakes and both are of a similar size with an almost identical population.

Less than 900 kilometres separate the two cities, which is about an 8 hour drive and a two hour flight non-stop.

Chicago boasts a strong and diverse economy with a focus on manufacturing, the financial industry, a growing consultancy sector and tourism.