Will new bridge jumpstart revitalization of Sandwich Towne?

By Madeline Mazak
February 15, 2019
As the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge approaches, undercurrents of hope for a revitalization of Olde Sandwich Towne are stirring in a community that has long since felt abandoned.

Sandwich Street is set to become a local corridor linking Windsor to the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority, alongside its private partner Bridging North America, is investing $24 million into local street improvements to Sandwich Street and streets near the U.S. port of entry in Detroit. Soon to be determined is how an additional $10 million will be invested on the Canadian side of the border by the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy, part of the WBDA’s Community Benefits Plan.

“I believe our time has come,” said west-end city councillor Fabio Costante. “I feel the pieces to rebuilding this neighbourhood are slowly coming together. The energy is there and the will is there. I do strongly believe that upon the erection of this new Gordie Howe Bridge and the funds that are going to flow from it, we’re going to see a whole new community here.”

The four kilometre expanse between the new roundabout on Rosedale Avenue and the new POE plaza will see a rehabilitation of the roads, sidewalks and landscaping. Bike lanes and a multi-use trail will also be built through the Sandwich Street Corridor that will link cyclers and pedestrians to the designated non-vehicular lanes on the bridge.

“You can have Detroiters riding their bikes over and the first community they’re going to ride into will be Sandwich Towne,” said Costante. “That connecting infrastructure will be fantastic for that reason. It’s going to be a great win for the community.”

Billie Jo Zacher, who has spent 25 years working at Dominion House Tavern and Billie’s Place Pub & Eatery located on Sandwich Street, said people are going to see Sandwich Towne in a new light following the improvements.

“We have a lot of vacancies here, but people won’t invest in this area,” said Zacher.“Now with the bridge coming and the money coming, I think people are going to want to be out here with a business. The more businesses we have, the more people come.”

The co-owner of Dominion House Tavern said he hopes the investment into Sandwich Towne will make it a “one-stop-shop.” He said aside from high traffic times during St. Patricks Day and Open Streets, there is not much drawing people to spend a full day in Sandwich Towne.

“Right now there’s not a ton of shopping to do,” said Jordan Tough. “That’s where I feel this area struggles right now. If you could come to this area and do your shopping, do your groceries and then go out to dinner with your family, watch a show or watch the game that’s on that night. Just feel comfortable knowing you’re going to spend your day here if you’re not from this area of town.”

Costante said the investment in Sandwich Towne is an opportunity to capitalize on the rich history of the community. Sandwich Towne was a battleground in the War of 1812. In the 19th century black refugees took their first steps of freedom out of the Underground Railway after escaping the U.S.

“The history of Sandwich Towne is second-to none,” said Costante. “Sandwich is Windsor Essex County’s most historical neighbourhood. There’re much to be celebrated and learned from our history. I think part of the resurgence and revitalization is to bring back to life in many ways, our history.”

According to Costante, one of the defining characteristics of Sandwich Towne is its grit and resilience.

“Take a stroll through Sandwich Towne,” said Costante. “You’ll feel it when you’re here.”