Windsor Debuts Region’s First Electric Glutton® Zen® Sweeper as Part of Downtown Revitalization Initiatives

As part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown core through the Strengthen the Core: Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan, the City of Windsor has introduced a new electric-powered Glutton® Zen® street sweeper to its fleet. This investment reinforces the City’s commitment to maintaining a clean, vibrant, and sustainable downtown environment. The street sweeper is the first of its kind in the region. 

The Glutton® Zen® is a compact, 100% electric vacuum designed for sidewalks, pathways, and paved alleyways — areas that are often difficult to access with traditional equipment. The unit’s silent, emission-free operation makes it ideal for use in pedestrian zones, laneways, heritage areas, and mixed-use spaces, minimizing disruption to residents and businesses while supporting environmental goals.

While initially deployed to support the Strengthen the Core initiative, the Glutton® Zen® will eventually be used across all business improvement areas (BIAs) citywide. This summer, the focus will be on the area of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), with plans to expand to other BIAs in the coming year.

This initiative builds on the success of the City’s “Curb the Trash” campaign and reflects a continued commitment to high standards of cleanliness in public spaces. By targeting litter and small debris in high-traffic areas, the City is taking another step toward creating a more welcoming and enjoyable downtown for everyone.

Quotes:

“It’s one more way we’re showing that Windsor’s core truly matters. The new electric-powered sweeper will play an important role in creating the Downtown Windsor we all want to see, which is essential as we continue to implement improvements aimed at attracting more residents, businesses, investments, and visitors. With increased foot traffic, special events, and ongoing development in the core, keeping our streets clean isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about supporting economic growth, public safety, and community pride as we continue to Strengthen the Core.”
– Councillor Renaldo Agostino, Ward 3, City of Windsor

“Cleanliness is one of the most visible and immediate ways we show that we care about our downtown; by investing in modern equipment like the Glutton®, we’re taking real action to support our local businesses, make our public spaces more enjoyable, and deliver on the promises of the Strengthen the Core strategy.”
– Jim Leether, Manager, Environmental Services, City of Windsor

“The long-term success of our downtown depends on more people choosing to live here, and that means creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment every day. The deployment of the Glutton® Zen® sweeper is a visible step forward — one that supports a higher quality of life for current residents and helps attract new ones. As more people call the core home, our downtown businesses benefit from increased foot traffic, stronger community connections, and a more vibrant local economy. It’s all part of our broader vision under Strengthen the Core to make downtown Windsor not just a place to visit but a place to thrive.”
– Chris MacLeod, Chair of Downtown Windsor BIA Board of Directors

To learn more about the City’s Strengthen the Core: Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan, visit LetsTalk.CityWindsor.ca/strengthen-the-core.