Modernizing Downtown is Priority One

With two years left in the “Six Pillar Program,” council now focuses on connecting the riverfront to the downtown core.

Windsor’s Executive Council met Sept. 24, 2012 to discuss what actions they will take next from their six pillar program which was established in 2010. The purpose of the meeting was to begin discussion on things that are a part of the program but have not been addressed yet. Mayor Eddie Francis also provided pictures of previous completed projects and ongoing projects outlined in the pillar plan to illustrate what have they have already accomplished.

“These ideas were not administrative driven . . . this was us sitting down, identifying our priorities, and getting it done.” said Francis.

The six pillar plan targets job and economic diversification, encouraging regional cooperation, establishing the cultural capital, providing corporate opportunities, downtown renovations, and turning Windsor into an affordable and attractive city. The plan will be carried out until 2014 when it will be re-evaluated and questioned for further pursuit.

“My philosophy is we work as hard as we can until 2014 and worry about what happens next at that time,” Francis said.

Coun. members discussed the possibility of closing a street in the downtown core to improve foot traffic for university and college students. With the addition of the music, visual arts and social work programs downtown, council expects another 2,000 students present along University Avenue along with the 1,000 students from both St. Clair College’s campuses.

Ward 9 Coun. Hilary Payne introduced a word of caution about closing any streets heading East to West. This relates to issue of the limited parking and transit abilities available downtown.

“The more pedestrian areas you have, the less traffic flow you have,” said Payne.

The downtown campus will be funded by the $10 million supplied from donations and $15 supported by the provincial government according to an article written by a U of W titled “Moving Downtown”.

Possible ways of connecting the university, college and other local facilities to the downtown core were also discussed. Ideas presented were underground pedestrian walk ways connecting the riverfront to downtown, the use of streetcars and bike lanes along University Avenue connecting the university’s campuses.

Director of the planning department, Tom Hunt, sees a lot of limitation with car owner ship in the city and encourages different public facilities targeting pedestrian movement.

“As the city ages and the younger people come up, I think they will have to provide a range of transit opportunities.”

Alan Halberstadt, is the city coun. for Ward 4 and said he wants to see more effort in fixing the local roads and residential buildings.

Some coun. members, including Bill Marra of Ward 8 are encouraging Windsor’s youth to get involved and submit ideas in feedback to city hall.

“We want to hear from them,” said Marra. No matter what they think, there voice still matters. We want to know if we are doing the right and if we are on the right track.”

Talks of new recreational opportunities along the riverfront were discussed with examples of bike rentals, ice cream and other small eateries, splash pad fountains and even a carousel.