Why choose Windsor?

By Adam El-Baba

Is Windsor really the Canada’s Sin City?

From my experience, Windsorites who speak negatively about their city usually aren’t exploring it entirely. Windsor doesn’t stop at the city limits but some people don’t understand that. There is an abundance of activities and festivals that take place in and around Windsor’s borders. The activities in Essex County are so well dispersed there is something for everyone to enjoy.

There must be something to do in this border city because there is a local initiative dedicated to promoting Windsor-Essex. Established in 1999, the Canada South Festival Network’s mandate is to promote the county year round as a festival tourist destination.  Created by local politicians, festival organizers and regional and international tourism specialists, the non-profit agency’s mission is to promote and support festivals and events across Windsor and Essex County.

Winter Fest is the newest addition to Windsor’s calendar, taking place during mid December.

The summer months are populated with more family oriented festivals. These festivals do have a universal appeal and usually showcase many cultures.

June is filled with more family friendly festivals. LaSalle Strawberry Festival starts June 6 and ends June 9.

Art in the Park takes place in Willstead Park and The Great Canadian BeaverFest takes place across town on the riverfront. Both run June 1-3. For the diverse family, Carrousel of the Nations is a festival that showcases different cultures through culinary, art, music and dance. It runs June 8 -10. This is a great example of pleasing all age groups.

July and August see just as much activity, if not more. July starts off with Windsor’s Canada Day Celebration and Parade and the International Dragon Boat Races continues the excitement until the middle of the month. Essex’s Fun Fest and Belle River’s Sunsplash invite you to explore the surrounding townships.

The thing Windsor is known for is its diversity and ability to accept and showcase other cultures and activities. August starts with Windsor Pride Festival August 9-12. Comber Fair runs August 10-12.

If its history, art or music you’re interested in then the late summer months are perfect for you.

With recent commemorations of the War of 1812, Windsor Rib Fest and Amherstburg Art by the River all falling within a week of each other, it’s clear that everyone’s taste for adventure will be met.

If you’re a young adult and aren’t ready to raise a family but still want to reap the benefits of the city, September and October offer music festivals that will make your ears ring.

Phog Phest showcases many local raw talents. From physical art to folk music, Phog Phest will bring out the inner rocker in you.

Around the same time, FAM festival, a week that celebrates local art, fashion and music begins. Run completely by locals, this festival is a prime example of the initiative that is shown by Windsorites.

One factor that may prevent families from residing here is the unemployment rate. The good news is Windsor no longer has the highest rate in Canada.

When weighed against all the positives, having a low employment rate can be the deciding factor as to why a family doesn’t reside here.

What about the scenery in Windsor? Is it a city pleasant to the eyes?

According to thisoldhouse.com, in 2012 Olde Walkerville was ranked the best old house neighbourhood in Canada.

Weather is another great asset Windsor adds to its positives. We are fortunate enough to be located on Canada-U.S border and tend to see higher temperatures because we have the same latitude as Northern California.

Through removing the fluoride from our water system and re-sponsoring city clean ups, the city takes its motto, “the land and the river sustain us,” quite seriously.