Windsor Invites Public Input on Downtown Revitalization

Published

Approximately one year after the launch of the Strengthen the Core – Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan, the City of Windsor is inviting residents, business owners, service providers, and visitors to participate in a follow-up survey to help assess the impact of the plan’s first year of implementation.

The survey will be open from August 8 to September 4, 2025, and will use the same set of questions as the original 2023 consultation process to measure changes in public sentiment, engagement with the plan, perceptions of safety, and overall impressions of Windsor’s downtown core.

Since the plan’s launch, the City and its partners have taken meaningful steps to revitalize the downtown core. Key accomplishments through the strategy include the following:

  • Addition of 12 new police officers dedicated to the downtown core, as well as increased Windsor Police Service presence through the expansion of the City Centre Patrol Team
  • Extended hours and services at the Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4)
  • Expanded mental health support provided by and in partnership with Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare
  • A growing calendar of downtown events and initiatives to attract residents and visitors, including Classical in the Concrete – Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) concert in the Pelissier Street Parking Garage, Rumble on the Roof, Windsor’s National Football League (NFL) Draft Party, the Detroit Lions Drone Show, Line the Drive for the Detroit International Free Press Marathon, Live at the Square music nights, Windsor International Film Festival’s WIFF Under the Stars, Chimczuk Museum free admission dates, Art Windsor-Essex’s AWE At Night Programs, and more
  • Launch of the Glutton® street sweeper and installation of lockable garbage bins and additional waste receptacles to improve cleanliness
  • Grand openings of the Legacy Beacon – Home of Streetcar No. 351 and the new City Hall Square, adding new attractions, amenities, and gathering spaces
  • Hiring of a dedicated By-Law Property Standards Enforcement Lead for the downtown core
  • Launch of the Vacant Home Tax Program aimed at increasing housing supply and reducing vacancy rates downtown and across the city
  • Installation of decorative lighting along Ouellette Avenue in partnership with the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (BIA)
  • Creative enhancements to the Pelissier Street Parking Garage, including themed levels and a public call for mural artists (mural to be unveiled in September 2025)
  • Launch of Housing Solutions Made for Windsor Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the Pelissier Street Parking Lot and Caron Avenue Parking Lot
  • Opening of several new downtown businesses, including Dillon Consulting’s new downtown offices, signalling private sector investment in the core

The follow-up survey is a critical step in ensuring the Strengthen the Core plan remains responsive, data-driven, and informed by the community. Feedback gathered through this survey will be used by the City of Windsor to help guide future investments, programming, and partnerships aimed at strengthening Windsor’s downtown.

How to Participate:

The survey will be available online at letstalk.citywindsor.ca/strengthen-the-core starting August 8 and will close on September 4, 2025. All responses are anonymous, and participants are encouraged to share their honest feedback and experiences.

For more information about the Strengthen the Core plan and ongoing revitalization efforts, visit letstalk.citywindsor.ca/strengthen-the-core.

Quotes:

“The City of Windsor has made significant progress through the Strengthen the Core – Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan over the last year. Investments in community wellbeing are working to change the perception of safety downtown. Unforgettable events and initiatives are regularly drawing folks to the core to celebrate some of what Windsor has to offer. The openings of new assets and amenities are providing wonderful new spaces for community engagement, gatherings, celebrations, and civic pride. We’ve come a long way in creating the conditions to attract new investments, businesses, residents, and visitors to the core. This survey provides a solid opportunity for everyone to weigh in on the progress, guide future work, and stand in lockstep with the City and partners in creating and sustaining the vibrant downtown we all deserve.”
– Mayor Drew Dilkens, City of Windsor

“Strengthen the Core starts with learning from every win and every loss. I’m incredibly proud of the staff, residents, and business owners who show up with heart and determination — day in and day out. The obstacles we face are real, but so is our grit. And with every step forward, we’re not just overcoming — we’re building a brand-new downtown, not just a place to play but a place to live, work, stay, and thrive. There’s a brighter, stronger future ahead, and we’re creating it together.”
– Councillor Renaldo Agostino, Ward 3, City of Windsor

“Over the past year, we’ve seen real progress in revitalizing our downtown core through new partnerships, expanded services, and a focus on public space and safety. This follow-up survey is an important opportunity for residents, businesses, and visitors to tell us what’s working, where we can improve, and how we can continue building a more vibrant, welcoming downtown for all.”
– Nicole (Sleiman) Anderson, Senior Economic Development Officer, City of Windsor

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