Investing Responsibly in Parks Infrastructure Through New Accessible Pathway at Alexander Park

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Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Ward 5 Councillor Ed Sleiman, Windsor Accessibility Advisory Committee member Peter Best, and community partners gathered today to cut the ribbon and unveil the new accessible pathway at Alexander Park in Ward 5. 

The project scope represents a $30,000 investment in parks infrastructure and included excavation, addition of stone base and a 1.5-metre-wide by 33-metre-long concrete pathway that fully complies with Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADS) and the requirements of the Windsor Accessibility Advisory Committee, along with final site restoration work following the installation. 

The unveiling comes as National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) gets underway the following week, running from May 31 to June 6, 2026. NAAW takes place every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, and is intended to celebrate and promote the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canada; the work of allies, organizations, and communities that are removing barriers; and ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and disability-inclusive Canada. The 2026 theme is “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada,” inviting Canadians, including governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals, to take action to advance a barrier-free country. Across Canada and the Windsor-Essex region, the week celebrates the contributions of people with disabilities and promotes barrier-free inclusion. 

This project comes as part of works covered in the City’s 2026 budget. For 2026, the budget includes over $317 million for capital investments, with $29.9 million allocated for community services like parks, recreation, facilities, and culture. 

The City of Windsor’s increase in total annual capital investment is 162% since 2016. With a focus on responsible investments and city-building, City Council approved a fiscally responsible and ambitious 2026 City of Windsor Budget that also includes the following:

  • 0% municipal tax levy increase
  • $2.26 billion 10-year capital budget, the largest in the City’s history
  • Largest road rehabilitation and repair program in the City’s history, with a 13% increase over 2025 spending
  • $163.8 million for roads
  • $60.0 million for sewers
  • $5.5 million capital investment in public transit 
  • Anticipated added tax revenue of $5 million from new development and growth
  • Significant projects that support development around the NextStar Energy battery manufacturing facility; the site of the future regional Fancsy Family Hospital; and further development of the Sandwich South lands, including the servicing of airport lands
  • Continued focus on investment, growth, and sustainability
  • Continued strategic management of reserves, debt levels, and debt servicing from non-tax revenue sources

Learn more about the City of Windsor’s parks system and projects.

For more information on City projects and services, visit CityWindsor.ca or contact 311.

Quotes:

“It’s great to see another enhancement to the amenities at the City’s waterfront Alexander Park with the installation and opening of the new accessible pathway. Through the City’s 2026 Budget, Council is Investing Responsibly in the infrastructure and assets that matter to Windsorites. On behalf of the City and my colleagues on City Council, I thank the Windsor Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Parks department, and all partners who helped bring this impactful project to life.”
- Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens 

“Ward 5’s Alexander Park is a very special place in our community. Last year, we unveiled the Lebanese Community Monument, celebrating heritage, culture and community spirit in this beautiful waterfront park. Today, we celebrated another meaningful investment that improves this park for everyone. This new accessible pathway is about inclusion and ensuring that all residents and visitors can enjoy the space. Investments like this make a difference for residents of all ages and abilities.” 
- Councillor Ed Sleiman, Ward 5

“The Windsor Accessibility Advisory Committee is proud to celebrate Accessibility Week and our shared belief that Access = Opportunity. This new pathway represents another meaningful step toward a more accessible and inclusive Windsor, and we thank the City for its continued support in removing barriers and creating welcoming spaces for all residents.” 
- Peter Best, Windsor Accessibility Advisory Committee

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