Council plans new districts

by Zander Kelly

Windsor may soon include clearly defined distillery and little Italy districts after a decision by city council to fund such projects.

During the annual budget meeting Jan. 23, city council unanimously moved to put $250,000 into “districting — themes and identity,” one million dollars into lighting and signs for a proposed “Windsor World Market” and $850,000 for a roundabout in Old Sandwich Towne.

Mayor Drew Dilkens said it will be up to entrepreneurs and citizens to help the city make these changes, similar to how the Walkerville area has enjoyed an upswing of restaurants and shops in recent years.

Suggestions for district names include sectioning part of Old Walkerville as a “Distillery District” after Hiram Walker and Sons Limited and, if local merchants embrace the idea, a Chinatown or Asian Village on University Avenue or Wyandotte St. West.

Ward 2 Councillor John Elliott said he hopes the move will bring “overdue respect” to the west end of Windsor. He said Olde Sandwich Towne is more than a name and that it predates Windsor as a municipality. Elliot wants to highlight local entertainment spots such as Rock Bottom, Mackenzie Hall and the Dominion House.

The council has already approved a new archway over Sandwich Street and Elliot wants to also put forward another roundabout with a sign welcoming people to Sandwich Towne.

“I can’t sit there as someone calls us the ‘poor west end.’ I could tell you all the good things happening here— it’s the old stigma they’re trying to re-attach,”  said Elliot. “We have some of the best agencies. We’ve done programs and initiatives. I can’t sit there as someone calls us the ‘poor west end.’”