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Driving up residential development, supporting businesses, and creating a pedestrian zone on Ouellette Avenue are part of Drew Dilkens’ plan to “reinvigorate” downtown Windsor.
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Standing outside the city-owned Paul Martin Building on Tuesday, the mayoral candidate acknowledged that Windsor’s core “isn’t what it once was” and has long felt the 2009 recession’s effects, despite the city’s investment of more than $215 million downtown in the last 15 years. He shared his ideas to implement his “Welcome Home” action plan for downtown revitalization.
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“Downtown renewal will take private sector partnerships and some patience, but I’m confident that we have the right mix to see a major boom in urban projects these next four years,” Dilkens said. “I can see the promise and opportunity that exists to make downtown Windsor a destination once again.”
The future of the Paul Martin Building, which houses the Windsor Public Library’s temporary downtown branch but is otherwise vacant, is one sign of “a world of promise and possibility” in the core, he said. City administration is in the “final stages” of negotiating with a private sector proponent who will take ownership of the building and transform it into a “new attraction.” While he can’t yet share further information about its future, Dilkens said the location will be “exciting,” “inviting,” and “attractive” once work is complete.
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Dilkens pledged to establish a Downtown Economic Development Corporation to bring together developers and community leaders to “deliver results” for the core, and to support businesses looking to establish downtown through renewed, targeted Community Improvement Plan funding.
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Activating public spaces is a part of his plan and includes getting shovels in the ground at the former Grace Hospital site for redevelopment, finding a new permanent home for the downtown library branch, and a “smart” reuse of the Windsor Arena site.
For Ouellette Avenue, Dilkens proposed regularly closing the downtown artery to vehicles to create a pedestrian zone with markets and cultural exhibitions.
Reiterating his community safety platform plank released last week, he said he will take “strong action” to “clean up our streets” while supporting those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.