City Launches “Let’s Talk Windsor” Project Page for “Strengthen the Core” Downtown Revitalization Plan

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In May 2024, City Council unanimously approved the Strengthen the Core: Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan (STC) to address safety and security; improve cleanliness through improvements and activations; and attract new investments, businesses, residents and visitors to the city’s core. Following the first progress report to City Council on November 25, 2024, the City is launching a dedicated Let’s Talk Windsor project page for the Strengthen the Core (STC) initiative. This new webpage is designed to engage the community and provide important updates, resources, and opportunities to contribute to the transformation underway in downtown Windsor.

The STC plan’s seven initial action items prioritize collaboration, innovative responses to challenges, and impactful initiatives that support revitalization of the city core. In support of the overall program, the Let’s Talk webpage will be a central hub that includes the following:

  • Updates on progress in each of the seven initial action items
  • Highlights of key milestones
  • Partner profiles showcasing collaboration with organizations and stakeholders
  • Interactive tools to gather public feedback, ideas and questions, as needed
  • Progress reports on enhanced community safety initiatives; beautification efforts; and activations, projects and events

First STC Progress Report

On November 25, 2024, City administration presented the first STC progress report to City Council, providing updates across all seven action items, including the following:

1. Safe Streets

  1. 12 additional sworn officers dedicated to the Windsor Police Service City Centre Patrol
  2. 40 additional sworn auxiliary police within parks and trails in the core, and beyond
  3. Over 5,000 resolved 311 service calls in the core
  4. Extended hours for the Nurse Police Team and Crisis Response Team, averaging 69 calls per month

2. High Standards

  1. 1 new by-law officer dedicated to the downtown core
  2. 13 orders issued to building owners for non-compliance with building standards
  3. 300 by-law officer hours patrolled since May 2024
  4. 10 benches relocated in the core
  5. 10 new and upgraded garbage receptacles available in the core

3. Healthy Spaces

  1. Over 45 extended hours per month at the Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4)
  2. Over 14,000 hot meals served at the H4
  3. Increased physician hours at H4, and expanded services to support the community

4. Place-Making

  1. Over $4 million allocated through incentive programs to downtown businesses
  2. 421 new residential units approved for downtown Windsor

5. Vibrant District

  1. Over 1,000 new beautification efforts
  2. Over 90 approved events driving $7.9 million in consumer spending in the third quarter
  3. Approximately 46,000 attendees at events hosted by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), including events co-hosted with the City of Windsor

6. Our Downtown

  1. Collaborating with key community partners, including the DWBIA, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF), Art Windsor-Essex, University of Windsor, St. Clair College and others on creating, marketing, and delivering exciting events and initiatives in the core

7. Stronger Together

  1. 25 external partners actively engaged in the work of the STC plan
  2. Creation of 4 roundtables to strengthen collaboration between community stakeholders

For up-to-date information on the STC plan, visit the Let’s Talk Windsor project page today!

Quotes: 

“Our Strengthen the Core: Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan is working to build a resilient, vibrant, thriving downtown that continues to attract investments, businesses and people to the heart of the city. This new online platform will give residents and stakeholders access to current information, and the opportunity to engage directly with this initiative. I am proud of the progress, inspired by the accomplishments, and excited to continue the positive momentum as we keep Building Windsor’s Future together.” - Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens

“The work put in and the progress made to date to Strengthen the Core of downtown Windsor is a testament to the commitment that the City of Windsor, City Council, and our amazing community partners have to this plan. We are dedicated and focused on doing everything we can to revitalize downtown, and this incredible effort requires widespread support every step of the way. With new resources like the Let’s Talk Windsor webpage, I look forward to seeing the community even more engaged in this work and in being part of the revival underway in the heart of the city.” - Councillor Renaldo Agostino, Ward 3

"Downtown Windsor is undergoing meaningful change through the Strengthen the Core initiative. By enhancing safety, expanding services, and fostering economic growth, we are making measurable progress thanks to the dedication of our community and partners. The launch of the Let’s Talk Windsor webpage marks another milestone, providing an accessible platform for everyone to stay informed, share ideas, and contribute to the revitalization of our city’s core. Together, we are building a more vibrant, welcoming, and thriving downtown Windsor." - Nicole Anderson, Senior Economic Development Officer, Strengthen the Core

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