Council to make decision on Peace Fountain

Windsor’s city council will make a decision tonight on whether to repair or replace the Peace Fountain.

The fountain is also known as the Charles Brooks Memorial Fountain and first opened on Sept. 3, 1978, and cost $562,000 to build. It was originally given a 20-year lifespan.

The fountain is anchored in the Detroit River, near Reaume Park, from May to October each year. The fountain weighs 24 tonnes and costs between $105,000 to $115,000 to operate annually. These costs include repairs and towing it in and out of the river.

The repairs needed include pumps, lighting, electrical, concrete and valves. There are several repair options available.

Repairing the fountain as needed will cost $475,000. Complete refurbishment and upgrades will cost $1.5 million. Redesigning the fountain will cost $178,000.

The decision will be made at the city council meeting at 6:00 p.m. Monday night.