Parking troubles at Mackenzie Hall

By Pranav Patel

The executive director of Recreation and Culture for the city of Windsor assures the public that parking at Mackenzie Hall will soon be available again.

Windsorites have been unable to use the parking lot since the old Windsor jail went up for sale. The lot belongs to the jail site.

Drew Dilkens, mayor of Windsor, reached out to Monte McNaughton, the Minister of Infrastructure of Ontario after residents were told they cannot park at Mackenzie Hall. Dilkens sent a request to McNaughton to allow use of the parking lot until the jail is sold. The provincial government currently owns the lot and adjacent jail building.

The lack of parking is an issue for the people who visit Mackenzie Hall. The hall is host to many organizations including Windsor Folk Music and Arts Society. Denis Bastareche performs for the group and is worried no parking will affect their events.

“It would impact things in a sour way,” said Bastareche. “We have folks with limitations who cannot walk long distance, the performers themselves would have to carry their instruments a long way.”

Windsor Folk Music and Arts Society is a nonprofit organization. They pay to use Mackenzie Hall and with the possibility of lower attendance they will lose donations from these shows.

“Windsor Folk could end after being in the community for 26 years,” said Bastareche.

Updates will follow after Infrastructure Ontario reviews the case.