City of Windsor Installs First Phase of Decorative Lighting in Downtown Core
The City of Windsor, in partnership with the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), has installed sections of decorative lighting along Ouellette Avenue in the downtown core as the first phase of a pilot project that aligns with the Strengthen the Core: Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan.
The permanent lighting includes programmable elements that allow for different colours, as well as changes to the speed and frequency of lighting display patterns. The first phase includes installation of lights along two blocks on both the west and east sides of Ouellette Avenue, with programmable LED bulb string lights hanging from Riverside Drive to Pitt Street, and programmable LED hanging-orb style lights installed from Pitt Street to Chatham Street. Each side of each block includes about 72 metres of lights, for a total of around 285 metres of lights installed at this time. Future phases could see the lights extended as far north as Tuscarora Street or Elliott Street heading towards Jackson Park.
The City of Windsor has provided around $38,000 in support of the project, which includes required engineering and electrical work, forestry support, and coordination of the project through the Special Events Resource Team. The City’s financial and in-kind support has allowed the DWBIA to target approximately $160,000 towards the lighting elements themselves.
The overall initiative resulted from discussions about the possibility of creating a year-round seasonal lighting display in the downtown area from Riverside Drive to Jackson Park that would complement the City’s annual Bright Lights Windsor winter festival while providing unique opportunities to beautify the downtown, and to attract residents and visitors to the core.
This initiative aligns with the Strengthen the Core (STC): Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan, which launched in April to address safety, security and cleanliness downtown while implementing measures and supporting activations to encourage new residents, businesses, and investments in the city’s core. Included in STC’s 7 initial action items are Action Item 1 – Safe Streets, which includes elements to brighten up areas of the downtown; Action Item 4 – Place-Making, which seeks to encourage people and businesses to move downtown by investing in infrastructure and initiatives; and Action item 5 – Vibrant District, which creates vibrancy by attracting and engaging residents and visitors with unique amenities, gathering spaces, and engagement opportunities.
Quotes:
“This is another great initiative in downtown Windsor that aligns with the shared efforts of the City, the Downtown Windsor BIA and area stakeholders to Strengthen the Core. Whether we’re talking about Bright Lights Windsor at Jackson Park every December, or the lights at Campus Martius Park across the river over in Detroit, decorative lighting serves as a beacon to draw folks together, make them feel safe, and brighten up community neighbourhoods for all to enjoy. As we continue Building Windsor’s Future, it is great that the City is able to support this initiative in the core, and we thank the DWBIA and partners for bringing this installation to life for the year-round benefit of our community.” - Mayor Drew Dilkens
“For years, we have talked about connecting our riverfront to the downtown core. This is the first step in making that a reality. This is something I have been pushing for from day one. It’s the right lights for downtown, and it doesn’t happen without the hard work of the DWBIA and the City. Greatness happens when we all follow the same light!” - Councillor Renaldo Agostino, Ward 3
“We’re thrilled about the new downtown lighting – it truly transforms the area. What was once ordinary is now vibrant, bright, and undeniably cool. The ability to create dynamic light shows with shifting colours and patterns brings the space to life in exciting ways. It’s far from just a static display; it’s an immersive experience that completely changes how people perceive and engage with the city centre.” - Chris MacLeod, Chair, Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association