https://windsornewsdesk.ca/ For the people, for the city. Keeping council honest and you informed. No spin, just the truth. en-ca Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:02:45 -0400 https://windsornewsdesk.ca/assets/icons/icon-192.pnghttps://windsornewsdesk.ca/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-04-sandpoint-beach-closed-campaign-pledge/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-04-sandpoint-beach-closed-campaign-pledge/ Sun, 04 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0400 City council Council endorsed a $15 million plan to move the beach east in January 2025. No construction date is set. Here is the record, the votes and the sources. Council voted June 9, 2025 to close water access at Sandpoint Beach, 10300 Riverside Dr. E. in Ward 7, after a drowning. Fencing was finished around June 24, 2025. The parkland and the sand area by the playground stayed open. In a report to council on June 29, 2026 (C 83/2026), City staff said reopening for swimming in 2026 was "not considered achievable." No reopening date has been set. Council endorsed the Sandpoint Beach Park Master Plan on Jan. 27, 2025. It would move the swimming beach east, away from a steep underwater drop-off next to the Detroit River shipping channel. Estimated cost: $15 million. On June 29, 2026, council voted to go ahead with the plan's site changes in phases. CBC reports $4.6 million is in the 10-year capital budget, with most of it available in 2033. The 2026 budget includes $1.5 million for a splash pad. A 2026 Lifesaving Society audit counts nine drownings at or near the beach since it opened in 1980. Four of them happened from 2021 to 2025, all in May. A Lifesaving Society audit council received in 2013 had recommended the city consider moving the beach east. The 2026 audit found the supervised swim zone "meets a reasonable standard of care" during operating hours. It called the master plan "flawed" because moving the swim area would not stop after-hours access to the hazard. Mayor Drew Dilkens (incumbent) pledged on Oct. 1 to implement the master plan and see it properly funded. He says $2 million to $3 million is in the fund now and engineering is underway. Coun. Fred Francis seconded the 2025 motion endorsing the plan, plus a June 2025 motion to speed up its safety work and a June 2026 motion to study a partial reopening in 2027. Both of those motions failed, and Dilkens voted against both. Dilkens voted in favour of going ahead with the plan in June 2026. As of Oct. 3, Windsor News had not found a Sandpoint pledge from the other mayoral campaigns. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-03-essex-windsor-ems-strike-deadline-oct-8/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-03-essex-windsor-ems-strike-deadline-oct-8/ Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:13:00 -0400 Health The County of Essex says CUPE Local 2974.2 moved its strike deadline to Oct. 8. The union told CBC a strike is likely Oct. 9. Keep calling 911. Talks with a conciliator ended Friday, Oct. 2 without an agreement, the County of Essex says. The County says CUPE Local 2974.2 moved its strike deadline from Oct. 5 to Oct. 8, to line up with the labour board's deadline for an Essential Ambulance Services Agreement. The County says it has offered to settle all outstanding issues through binding interest arbitration to avoid a labour disruption. "We're 100 per cent now moving towards a strike," union president James Jovanovic told CBC Windsor. He said Oct. 9 is the likely strike date, with a final decision by Monday. If there is a strike, the County says six fewer ambulances would run during the day and three fewer overnight, and Community Paramedicine would be temporarily suspended. Essex County Council meets Oct. 7. Jovanovic told CBC council could still instruct staff to settle on the union's terms. Residents should keep calling 9-1-1 for medical emergencies. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-03-city-hall-sweep-cost/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-03-city-hall-sweep-cost/ Sat, 03 Oct 2026 09:59:00 -0400 City Hall The OPP says Windsor Police requested the City Hall technology sweep. Who paid, and how much, is still unanswered. The OPP Security Bureau says Windsor Police requested the technology sweep at Windsor City Hall (OPP file 2026-4615). In an Oct. 2 email, Windsor Police said: "There was no cost to the Windsor Police Service or the Windsor Police Service Board associated with the technology sweep referenced in your correspondence." Police said further information would need a freedom-of-information request. Still unanswered: who paid for the sweep, and how much it cost. A City of Windsor freedom-of-information request, FOI 213-2026, filed Sept. 17, asks for the total cost, invoices and the budget line. It is pending. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-02-big-motorcity-show-rolls-into-fogolar-this-sunday/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-02-big-motorcity-show-rolls-into-fogolar-this-sunday/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:24:00 -0400 Community The BIG Motorcity car, motorcycle and truck show is at the Fogolar Furlan Club on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 AM to 2 PM. It is free to attend and raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor Essex. Sunday at Fogolar: the BIG Motorcity car, motorcycle & truck show, free to attend, for Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor Essex. Sun Oct 4, 10 AM to 2 PM, 1800 N Service Rd. Live music, vendors, prizes. Showing a ride? Vehicle reg is $15. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-02-fathers-housing-levy-pledge/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-02-fathers-housing-levy-pledge/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:55:00 -0400 Election 2026 Campaign pledge, not City policy. Fathers says the levy would raise about $5 million a year once phased in. This is a campaign pledge, not City policy. Frazier Fathers, the Ward 2 incumbent running for re-election, released a "Windsor Housing Affordability and Unhoused Action Plan" on Oct. 1. It calls for a dedicated 1% municipal property-tax increase, phased in at 0.5% in 2027 and 0.5% in 2028. He says it would raise about $5 million a year once fully phased in, or about $2.83 a month for the average assessed home. His plan proposes, per year: $2 million for affordable, supportive and transitional housing capital; $1 million for non-profit shelter stabilization; $1 million for rent subsidies, arrears and per diem supports; $200,000 for pre-development feasibility grants; $200,000 for accessibility renovations; a $300,000 first-time homebuyer property-tax grant pilot; and a $300,000 reserve. He says he shared the plan for feedback with Family Services Windsor-Essex, the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families, Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario, and Windsor Family Homes and Community Partnerships. Unclear: the levy would need council approval through the municipal budget process, and the plan says each program needs detailed design. It does not show the average assessed value or the tax base behind the $2.83 and $5 million estimates. MPAC assessments are still based on 2016 values. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-02-downtown-what-mayoral-candidates-propose/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-02-downtown-what-mayoral-candidates-propose/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:05:00 -0400 Election 2026 Side by side: downtown positions of the three candidates invited to the Chamber debate. Campaign pledges, not City policy. Positions of the three candidates invited to the Sept. 29 Chamber of Commerce debate (11 are running), listed alphabetically. These are campaign pledges and statements, not City policy. Election Day is Oct. 26. Drew Dilkens (incumbent) says his record includes Strengthen the Core: 12 more downtown officers, a 24/7 H4 hub, nurse and police crisis teams, and Greenlight cameras. He pledges to secure funding for the Village at The Barn, a 102-unit transitional housing campus, expand Greenlight to all BIAs and pursue a police real-time operations centre. On the library, he has pitched the former Ontario tourism building near City Hall. Fred Francis (Ward 1 councillor) proposes a Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan. He pledges a Downtown Safety and Outreach Command Unit with a director reporting weekly to the mayor, Clean and Safe Streets Ambassadors, a Mayor's Downtown Roundtable, housing-first supports, an office-to-residential conversion program and downtown CIP incentives. On the library, he pledges a plan within four years for a permanent downtown Central Library. Kat Pasquach (downtown business owner) proposes "compassionate revitalization": spreading daytime services for people experiencing homelessness to areas throughout the city. At the debate she said adding police officers isn't the answer and that downtown revitalization can't be separated from the mental health and addiction crisis. Her platform also pledges more support for small businesses and for arts, culture and community spaces. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-02-former-chief-bellaire-record/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-02-former-chief-bellaire-record/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:52:00 -0400 Police CBC reported an investigation substantiated that Jason Bellaire made comments breaching WPS directives. A human rights complaint is unproven. Jason Bellaire joined Windsor Police in 1995 and became chief on Dec. 1, 2022, on a five-year contract. Confirmed: a third-party investigation concluded Jan. 16, 2025 "substantiated that Chief Jason Bellaire made comment(s) that constitute a breach of WPS Directive(s)," according to a confidential summary obtained by CBC News. It found the comments did not amount to a poisoned work environment. The Windsor Police Service Board announced his retirement on Feb. 5, 2025, with no reason given. His last day was Nov. 28, 2025. Alleged, not proven: Insp. Ed Armstrong filed a human rights complaint in March 2024. Its allegations have not been proven before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Mediation failed in June 2025. No ruling on the merits has been found. Unconfirmed: whether the findings led to his retirement. No official source links the two. Bellaire told the Windsor Star the controversy "wasn't the compelling reason." https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-01-windsors-zombie-walk-is-back/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-01-windsors-zombie-walk-is-back/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:27:00 -0400 Community Saturday downtown: Windsor’s Zombie Walk is back, free & family-friendly, with donations for Downtown Mission. Zombies gather 4 to 6 PM at Ouellette & Elliott; horde leaves about 6:30 down Ouellette. BIA + ScareHouse. Saturday downtown: Windsor’s Zombie Walk is back, free & family-friendly, with donations for Downtown Mission. Zombies gather 4 to 6 PM at Ouellette & Elliott; horde leaves about 6:30 down Ouellette. BIA + ScareHouse. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-01-chamber-mayoral-debate-recap/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-01-chamber-mayoral-debate-recap/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:56:00 -0400 Election 2026 Stability, change and ignored voices: what the three invited candidates pitched. The full recording is free on YouTube. On Tuesday, Sept. 29 the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce, with the Downtown Windsor BIA, hosted its 2026 mayoral debate at the Chrysler Theatre, according to the Windsor Star, AM800 and the YourTV recording. Craig Pearson moderated. On stage were Drew Dilkens, Fred Francis and Kat Pasquach, three of 11 registered candidates. The Chamber says invitees followed a member survey and are not an endorsement. Dilkens pitched "stability" and "proven leadership," preparation for Sandwich South, a Buy Canadian stance for City Hall purchasing, and opposition to four units as of right. Francis pitched "change" and "basics before vanity," housing first, a permanent downtown central library, restoring the tunnel bus and no new taxes, and criticized the Asset Management Plan levy. Pasquach pitched ignored voices, cooperative housing, citywide bike infrastructure and dignity for unhoused residents. She briefly lost an answer on diversifying the economy, then apologized on stage for a quip. Dilkens and Francis had heated exchanges on Roseland and four units, a disputed claim about a CAO firing, the Village at The Barn and the cost of the tunnel bus. The full recording is free on the YourTV Windsor YouTube channel. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-01-downtown-mission-city-funding/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-01-downtown-mission-city-funding/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400 City Hall The City cites about $1.5 million, close to the $1.48 million in Ontario and federal grants in the Mission's audit. A freedom-of-information request is pending. Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino wrote in a Sept. 16 email that City taxpayers fund the Downtown Mission over a million dollars a year. On Sept. 17, the City's Human and Health Services office wrote that about $1.5 million has been allocated for the current funding period, through existing service agreements, for Mission emergency shelter beds, daytime programming and security. That is close to the $1,481,600 the Mission's 2025 audited statements record as government homelessness grants administered by City Housing and Children's Services: $1,308,246 from Ontario's Homelessness Prevention Program and $173,354 from federal Reaching Home. Asked how much of the $1.5 million is City tax levy and how much is provincial or federal money, the office replied on Sept. 18 that the information is in public Council reports, without giving a split. On Sept. 22 it wrote that it had not compiled the funding sources behind the figure, and on Sept. 24 that it would respond further only through a freedom-of-information request. That request was filed Sept. 21 and is pending. Agostino, copied on the follow-up questions, has not replied in writing since Sept. 16. The City's 2026 approved operating budget has no Mission-specific line. The City funds $3.2 million of its April 2026 to March 2027 homelessness budget, spread across several shelters and programs. City tax-levy dollars to the Mission, if any: Unclear. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-01-budget-item-2026-0097/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-10-01-budget-item-2026-0097/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:13:00 -0400 Budget Item 2026-0097 was listed in camera as "Labour Relations." The approved budget book calls it "Homelessness and Supportive Housing Reduction." In the proposed 2026 budget amendments the mayor tabled in December 2025, item 2026-0097 (Housing and Children's Services, a $2,626,537 reduction) was listed as an in-camera item described only as "Labour Relations." Its budget detail page is marked "In-Camera Issue" and left blank. A later revised version on the City's website describes it as "Position / Plan / Procedure to be Applied to Negotiations." The 2026 Approved Operating Budget names the same item and amount "Homelessness and Supportive Housing Reduction." It is listed under MD 03-2026, the mayoral decision in which the mayor adopted all of council's Jan. 26 budget amendments without a veto and approved the budget. Neither document says what the reduction cut or whether any service changed. CBC News reported on Jan. 26 that the mayor would not say what the $2.6 million cut entails, and that it would not be made public until after negotiations with staff. The approved book shows the net, tax-supported budget for the Homelessness and Housing Support division at $3,249,833 for 2026, down from $5,141,210 in 2025. In January, after a review the mayor directed, the City moved 29 of the 54 in-camera budget items to the public document (City of Windsor release, Jan. 6; AM800). Item 2026-0097 was not among them. The City said administration had confirmed "no significant or negative impacts to delivery of services." https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-bert-kreischer-colosseum/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-bert-kreischer-colosseum/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:31:00 -0400 Community Bert Kreischer brings his Permission to Party tour to The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 8 PM. Tomorrow night at The Colosseum: Bert Kreischer brings Permission to Party to Caesars Windsor. Thu Oct 1, 8 PM. Tickets on Ticketmaster, or the Colosseum box office on show day 1 to 9 PM. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-wps-crisis-teams-calls/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-wps-crisis-teams-calls/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:31:00 -0400 Police Windsor Police's Nurse Police Team and Crisis Response Team pair officers with hospital staff, police say. Windsor Police say its Nurse Police Team (NPT) and Crisis Response Team (CRT) have responded to 4,300 calls for service across Windsor since January 2026, including 1,896 in the downtown area. The NPT is a partnership between Windsor Police and Windsor Regional Hospital. The CRT is a partnership between Windsor Police and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. Police say the teams support people in mental health, substance use and other crises, help de-escalate situations and connect people with ongoing services. Police figures for January to August show 485 people diverted from the emergency room and 275 referrals to mental health service providers. The figures also list 191 naloxone kits and 251 fentanyl test strips. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-free-orchestra-night-in-a-downtown-garage/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-free-orchestra-night-in-a-downtown-garage/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:04:00 -0400 Community The Windsor Symphony Orchestra plays a free concert on the main level of the Pelissier Street parking garage on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 7 PM. Registration is required. Free orchestra night in a downtown garage. Windsor Symphony's Classical in the Concrete: Sat Oct 3, 6 to 7 PM, Pelissier St parking garage. Free, registration required. Bach, Mozart and Beethoven with James Sommerville. windsorsymphony.com or 519-973-1238 https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-soup-shack-amazon-wish-list/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-soup-shack-amazon-wish-list/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:56:00 -0400 Community Urgent needs include emergency blankets and dog and cat food. In-person drop-offs at 636 Goyeau St., 4 to 9 p.m. Follow-up to our Sept. 27 story on the downtown Soup Shack: the soup kitchen has an Amazon wish list, "Soup Shack Essentials." Items bought from the list ship directly to the Soup Shack. Items on the list include hand sanitizer, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, men's boxers, sports bras and fleece blankets. In a Sept. 29 Instagram post, the Soup Shack said it urgently needs emergency blankets and dog and cat food. It said guests who are outdoors in the evening find Mylar thermal blankets very valuable, and full-size bags of pet food are split up to reach as many guests as possible. In-person donations are accepted at 636 Goyeau St. from 4 to 9 p.m. Before 6:45 p.m., donors may need to knock on the back door. The Soup Shack is open every day from 7 to 9 p.m. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-gt-and-co-sole-source-contract/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-30-gt-and-co-sole-source-contract/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:02:00 -0400 City Hall The City says the City Hall procedures review is within the Council-approved budget. Several questions remain unanswered. The City of Windsor said Sept. 29 that GT & Co was retained to review procedures and processes at City Hall and recommend ways to enhance productivity. The sole-source contract is valued at $24,000 and was within the Council-approved budget. Any recommendations go to the next City Council, which will decide whether to proceed. The City says it sole-sourced the work because of the heavy Council Services workload tied to election preparations, and that the CAO and Purchasing By-laws let the CAO issue contracts within the approved budget when sole-source parameters are met. Administration says the review responds to concerns raised by members of Council over several years, including deferring items involving delegates, timelines for answers to Council questions, time limits on councillors' remarks, and presenting at both Standing Committee and Council. Media-reported (CBC, AM800, August 2026): GT & Co partner Andrew Teliszewsky was Mayor Drew Dilkens' chief of staff from 2020 to 2023. AM800 reported the review began Aug. 2 and runs until Oct. 31, five days after the Oct. 26 election. Dilkens told CBC he had no involvement in selecting the firm. The City sent the statement to a Windsor resident who had asked in writing on Aug. 16 and Sept. 25, saying it is the same information given to the media. It did not say who signed the sole-source approval under Part IX of Purchasing By-law 93-2012, why the work overlaps the election period, how concerns about the former chief of staff link were assessed, or whether a purchase order, sole-source approval or Council report naming GT & Co is available to residents. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-29-truth-and-reconciliation-day-closures/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-29-truth-and-reconciliation-day-closures/ Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:56:00 -0400 City services City offices, 311 and library branches closed. Garbage pickup not delayed, buses on a regular weekday schedule. The City of Windsor says its administrative offices, 311 and all Windsor Public Library branches are closed Wednesday, Sept. 30. For municipal emergencies, call 519-255-6326. 311 Online and the Windsor 311 app remain available 24/7. Residential waste collection is not delayed. Transit Windsor runs its regular weekday schedule. Admission is free at the Chimczuk Museum and François Baby House (regular hours) and at Art Windsor-Essex (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The community-led Orange Shirt Day Committee hosts an Honour Walk and Community Gathering at Jackson Park, 125 Tecumseh Rd. E., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with speakers, a fire, drums and food. All are welcome. The Every Child Matters flag flies at City Hall Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, and City Hall is lit orange in the evenings. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-29-ontario-supreme-court-firearms-ban/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-29-ontario-supreme-court-firearms-ban/ Tue, 29 Sep 2026 14:01:00 -0400 Justice Appeals of the 2020 firearms ban are set for Nov. 9. Windsor Police opted out of the federal buyback in January. The Supreme Court of Canada is set to hear appeals of the 2020 "assault-style" firearms ban on Nov. 9. Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan are intervening. In its filed factum, Ontario argues the ban's undefined "variants or modified versions" wording is unconstitutional. The Toronto Star reports the narrow argument could leave much of the ban in place. Locally, Windsor Police opted out of the federal buyback in January, citing resources and feasibility. The amnesty now runs until 90 days after the court rules, according to Public Safety Canada (June 9). https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-29-strong-mayor-powers-record/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-29-strong-mayor-powers-record/ Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:01:00 -0400 City Hall The City has posted 94 written mayoral decisions since the powers took effect July 1, 2023. Key ones, from the City's own records. The City of Windsor has posted 94 written mayoral decisions from July 1, 2023, when strong mayor powers took effect, through Aug. 6, 2026. Ontario ties the powers to its goal of 1.5 million new homes by 2031. Nov. 15, 2023 (MD 11-2023 and MD 12-2023): dismissed the commissioners of Infrastructure Services and of Legal and Legislative Services, and amended the City's organizational structure. Media reports confirm the dismissed engineer sued seeking about $1.55 million. The claims were not proven in court, and the City settled in 2025 on confidential terms. Feb. 6, 2025 (MD 06-2025): vetoed council's amendment keeping the Tunnel Bus in the 2025 budget. It is his only veto. It stood after a Feb. 21 council vote. Feb. 27, 2025 (MD 12-2025): appointed Ray Mensour chief administrative officer, effective May 1, 2025. Oct. 23, 2025 (MD 23-2025): directed staff to prepare a 2026 budget with a 0% tax levy increase. Council approved it unanimously Jan. 26, 2026, with no veto (MD 03-2026). Mar. 3, 2026 (MD 04-2026): asked staff for development-charge relief options for purpose-built rental projects. That was deferred Apr. 24 pending a federal-provincial program (MD 05-2026). https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-28-chamber-mayoral-debate-preview/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-28-chamber-mayoral-debate-preview/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:03:00 -0400 Election 2026 The Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce invited Drew Dilkens, Fred Francis and Kat Pasquach, three of 11 registered candidates. The Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce hosts its 2026 Mayoral Candidates Debate on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the Chrysler Theatre in downtown Windsor, windsorite.ca reported Sept. 27. Invited: Drew Dilkens, Fred Francis and Kat Pasquach. The Chamber says it chose three of the 11 registered mayoral candidates after surveying members on format. The debate is open to the public with tickets through the Chamber and airs live on YourTV (Cogeco). A free recording goes up on the YourTV Windsor YouTube channel on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. For start time and ticket price, see the Chamber's event page. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-28-gecdsb-trustee-open-house/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-28-gecdsb-trustee-open-house/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:29:00 -0400 Election 2026 The Windsor Council of Home and School Associations hosted GECDSB trustee candidates on Sept. 28. The Windsor Council of Home and School Associations hosts Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) trustee candidates on Monday, Sept. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Kennedy Collegiate Institute, in the cafeteria off the parking lot, Windsor News Today reported. Twenty-eight candidates filed for the English public board covering Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island. Voting Day is Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-28-tecumseh-transit-windsor-cost-estimate/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-28-tecumseh-transit-windsor-cost-estimate/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:57:00 -0400 Transit Tecumseh council directed staff to request a Transit Windsor estimate for a Tecumseh Road corridor link, local media reported. Tecumseh council directed administration to request a Transit Windsor cost estimate for a Tecumseh Road corridor link, Windsor News Today reported Sept. 16. AM800 and CTV Windsor reported on it Sept. 21. As reported, Transit Windsor could run corridor service so Tecumseh Transit can focus more on in-town service. Demand in the Patillo area of Lakeshore was also mentioned. No public dollar figure, start date or agreement has been reported. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-28-voter-notification-cards/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-28-voter-notification-cards/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:15:00 -0400 Election 2026 Cards should arrive the first week of October. Without one, bring accepted ID to a polling place in your ward. The City of Windsor says voter notification cards for the 2026 municipal election go in the mail the week of Sept. 28 and should arrive in mailboxes the first week of October. A voter card is not required to vote. If you don't get one, or it is lost, damaged or wrong, bring accepted identification to a polling place on Election Day or an advance voting day. Election workers can correct list errors at the polls. This election uses vote anywhere in your ward: any designated polling location in your ward, not one assigned spot. Check WindsorElections.ca, Online Voter Services or 311 for locations. Voting Day is Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-27-cklw-cbc-building-heritage-designation/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-27-cklw-cbc-building-heritage-designation/ Sun, 27 Sep 2026 14:06:00 -0400 City council Report C 88/2026 recommends Council not withdraw its notice to designate 825 Riverside Drive West. Council must decide by Oct. 7. City Council's agenda for Monday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. (report C 88/2026) includes a Notice of Objection to designating 825 Riverside Drive West, the 1954 CKLW and CBC (CBET) broadcast building, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Administration recommends Council receive the objection from Clayland Developments Inc., decide not to withdraw the Notice of Intention to Designate, approve a revised Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest, and pass the designation by-law. The property has been listed on the Municipal Heritage Register since 2010. Under the Ontario Heritage Act, Council must decide by Oct. 7, 2026, 90 days after the objection period ended July 9. Designation would not rescind Planning Act approvals already granted for redevelopment, according to the report. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-27-soup-shack-demand/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-27-soup-shack-demand/ Sun, 27 Sep 2026 10:07:00 -0400 Community The Soup Shack says it is the only organization serving food downtown after 5 p.m. It gets no government funding, CBC reported. The Soup Shack, which runs out of the former Tim Hortons on Goyeau Street, says 150 to 200 people now come for a hot evening meal every night. Attendance used to peak around 150 and then drop off during the month, CBC News reported. Board member Wendy Daniels told CBC Radio's Windsor Morning that many new faces have shown up over the past couple of weeks, and the board doesn't know why. It is treating the higher numbers as its new norm. It is the only organization serving food downtown after 5 p.m. It gets no government funding and runs on donations. Daniels is asking companies and groups to donate a month's worth of soup, or money, so nobody gets turned away. The City's 2025 point-in-time count recorded 794 people experiencing homelessness, up from 672 in 2024. City officials caution the count is only a snapshot. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-26-accessible-parking-reversal/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-26-accessible-parking-reversal/ Sat, 26 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0400 City services A City staffer approved the spot a day after CBC News asked about the case, CBC reported. Jim Thrones, 73, has had trouble walking since being diagnosed with MS. For three years the City denied his application for an accessible spot on the street in front of his home, CBC News reported. The reason given was his detached garage off the back alley. Thrones says his truck can't make the tight 90-degree turn into it, and he damaged the truck the one time he tried. One day after CBC News asked the City about the case, a City staffer visited on Thursday, looked at the garage and approved the spot right away. Thrones says he was told the accessible parking signage would go up Friday or Monday. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-26-windsor-pizza-festival/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-26-windsor-pizza-festival/ Sat, 26 Sep 2026 11:35:00 -0400 Community Eleven pizzerias were listed for the Sept. 26 festival, noon to 5 p.m. or until the pizza sold out. The Windsor Pizza Festival runs Saturday, Sept. 26 at City Hall Square from noon to 5 p.m., or until the pizza sells out. Admission is free and slices are $2. Eleven pizzerias are listed: Antonino's, Arcata, Armando's, Capri, Naples, OG Pizza, Oven 360, Professor Zaaa's, Sam's, Slices and Squares, and Spago. The organizer notes the lineup is subject to change. Buy a slice at any five booths to fill a festival passport, then drop it at the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island tent for a chance at an Ooni pizza oven. Free first-come parking is at Lot 11, with the entrance on McDougall St. just north of Wyandotte. Live entertainment starts with a local media pizza toss at noon. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-25-transit-windsor-umo-launch/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-25-transit-windsor-umo-launch/ Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:50:00 -0400 Transit Riders can set up Umo accounts now. Loading fare and riding start Oct. 5. Exact cash is still accepted. Transit Windsor's account-based Umo fare system replaces the current smart-card fare technology on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, according to the City of Windsor's Umo page and Transit Windsor Board report S 100/2026. Riders can download the Umo Mobility app and set up accounts now. Loading fare and riding start Oct. 5. Cash is still accepted (exact fare). Umo cards cost $6 new, or $10 for a replacement, at the Windsor International Transit Terminal, 300 Chatham St. W. The Transit Windsor Board had an Umo Misuse and Fraud Policy (S 100/2026) on its Sept. 23 agenda. Whether the board approved it was Unclear when this was posted. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-25-dilkens-real-time-operations-centre-pledge/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-25-dilkens-real-time-operations-centre-pledge/ Fri, 25 Sep 2026 07:34:00 -0400 Election 2026 Campaign pledge, not City policy. Mayor Drew Dilkens says funding is still needed and gave no cost figure. At a Sept. 24 news conference at Windsor Police headquarters, Mayor Drew Dilkens announced a "Safety First" campaign pledge that includes a Real-Time Operations Centre for Windsor Police, AM800 reported. He said the police service is already in the early stages, and that funding is still needed: "millions," with no figure given. He said federal and provincial funding would be explored. Cost and timeline: Unclear. He also pledged to expand Greenlight cameras to all business improvement areas, add ward-wide proactive by-law outreach with public health and nursing staff, and add more traffic calming toward Vision Zero. These are campaign pledges, not City policy. Election Day is Oct. 26, 2026. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-24-concord-elementary-site-eoi/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-24-concord-elementary-site-eoi/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:07:00 -0400 Housing Developer proposals for 6700 Raymond Ave. are due Nov. 18, 2026 under EOI 82-26. The City of Windsor has opened an Expression of Interest, EOI 82-26, for the former Concord Elementary School site at 6700 Raymond Ave., under its Housing Solutions Made for Windsor program. windsorite.ca places the site in Ward 6, in Riverside. Developer proposals are due Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026 by 11:30 a.m. The EOI package is on the City's Let's Talk page. Questions go to purchasing@citywindsor.ca by Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-24-wren-career-fair-costco-hiring/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-24-wren-career-fair-costco-hiring/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:10:00 -0400 Jobs WREN's career fair ran at the Caboto Club with 30+ employers. A day earlier, Costco's hiring fair drew long lines for 200+ jobs. WREN's Career Fair runs Thursday, Sept. 24 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Caboto Club's Windsor Hall, 2175 Parent Ave., with more than 30 employers, according to WREN. On Sept. 23, a Costco hiring fair at the Serbian Centre, 6770 Tecumseh Rd. E., drew long lines for more than 200 jobs at the new east Windsor store, CTV Windsor and AM800 reported. Online applicants got interview priority. The store's opening date has not been confirmed. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-24-central-branch-opens/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-24-central-branch-opens/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:09:00 -0400 Library Windsor Public Library's new Central Branch opened to the public Sept. 24 after a four-day move. Windsor Public Library's new Central Branch at 400 City Hall Square opened to the public on Thursday, Sept. 24. Central was closed Sept. 20 to 23 for the move after its last day at 185 Ouellette Ave. (Paul Martin Building) on Sept. 19. Central's hours: noon to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on other days. The nine other branches stay on regular hours. Unclear: where Central's permanent home will be after this interim location. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-23-wrh-cashless-pay-and-display/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-23-wrh-cashless-pay-and-display/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:45:00 -0400 Health Windsor Regional Hospital is switching machines at select surface lots to debit or credit only, windsorite.ca reports. The Ouellette garage still takes cash. Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) is upgrading Pay and Display machines at select surface lots to cashless, debit or credit only, windsorite.ca reported Sept. 22. Affected at Met Campus: the Emergency, Cancer Centre, and Expectant Mothers and Babies (Pink) lots. At Ouellette Campus: the lots off Goyeau Street by the emergency department and main entrance. Cash is still accepted at the Ouellette parking garage. Unclear: the start date and whether rates change. Windsor News did not find a WRH notice about the change when this was posted. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-23-erca-2027-draft-budget-merger/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-23-erca-2027-draft-budget-merger/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:36:00 -0400 Budget ERCA's draft 2027 budget is about $12.8 million on the same funding basis as 2026. A four-authority merger is set for Feb. 1, 2027. The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) says its draft 2027 budget, about $12.8 million, is circulating to member municipalities. Funding is on the same basis as 2026, with no merger transition costs. ERCA is set to merge with the Lower Thames, St. Clair and Upper Thames conservation authorities on Feb. 1, 2027, under the WLERCA name. ERCA CAO Tim Byrne told the Windsor Star that levies could rise 40% or more by 2028, about $9 more per $300,000 of assessed value, if costs are averaged. He called that conjecture until the province shares numbers. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-22-wps-downtown-high-visibility-patrols/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-22-wps-downtown-high-visibility-patrols/ Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:34:00 -0400 Police Windsor Police add officers on foot and mobile patrols in the downtown core for three days under the City's Strengthen the Core plan. Windsor Police said in a Sept. 21 news release that additional officers would be on foot and mobile patrols in the downtown core from Sept. 22 to 24, under the City's Strengthen the Core plan. The release named public drug use, criminal activity and disruptive behaviour as the focus. Deputy Chief Ken Cribley invited the community to talk with officers. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-22-peace-fountain-countdown/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-22-peace-fountain-countdown/ Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:05:00 -0400 Parks The City says the Peace Fountain replacement is in its construction phase. windsorite.ca reports a Sept. 21, 2027 target. The City of Windsor says the International Charles Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain replacement project is in its construction phase (CR507/2024, Nov. 25, 2024). The City lists Dillon Consulting and Bronte Construction on the project, which recreates the fountain at Coventry Gardens and Reaume Park. windsorite.ca reported Sept. 21 that the fountain is targeted to flow again on Sept. 21, 2027, the International Day of Peace. It was removed in 2023 after 45 years. The same report mentions LED evening shows, on-site winter storage and a new annual peace gathering. The 2027 date is as reported by windsorite.ca. No project cost is included here because Windsor News did not find a confirmed dollar figure. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-21-howard-division-paving/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-21-howard-division-paving/ Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:33:00 -0400 Roads Lane closures in both directions between E.C. Row Expressway and Marentette Avenue for final asphalt paving, windsorite.ca reports. Lane closures in both directions on Howard Avenue and Division Road, between E.C. Row Expressway and Marentette Avenue, start Monday, Sept. 21 for road work and final asphalt paving, windsorite.ca reported Sept. 20. The work is scheduled through Friday, Oct. 16, weather permitting. Expect delays around the mall. Windsor News did not find a City notice with these dates when this was posted, so the dates are as reported by windsorite.ca. Watch posted signs, the City construction map or call 311. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-21-unifor-stellantis-contract-expires/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-21-unifor-stellantis-contract-expires/ Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:12:00 -0400 Jobs The deal expired at 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Unifor says the expiry is not a strike deadline because the parties are still in conciliation. The collective agreement between Unifor and Stellantis covering Windsor Assembly expired at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Unifor said Sept. 16 that the expiry is not a strike deadline. The parties are still in conciliation under the Ontario Labour Relations Act, so there was no legal strike or lockout position. Talks have been at an impasse since Sept. 11, after 10 days of bargaining. The Windsor Star reported that Unifor Local 444 president James Stewart said there was no clear commitment yet on the plant's third shift. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-20-forest-glade-ltc-open-house/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-20-forest-glade-ltc-open-house/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:06:00 -0400 Ward 7 Developers present preliminary plans for vacant Wildwood Drive land next to Seneca Park on Sept. 21, before any formal City planning application. An open house on a proposed long-term care development in Forest Glade is set for Monday, Sept. 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Wildwood Room at the Forest Glade Community Centre, AM800 reported Sept. 14. Developers will present preliminary plans for vacant land on Wildwood Drive next to Seneca Park. The open house comes before any formal City planning application. It is still early planning. Windsor News Today reported Sept. 15 on a City partnership with Arch Acquisitions on about four acres of western Seneca Park, also at an early planning stage. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-20-festival-of-hawks-holiday-beach/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-20-festival-of-hawks-holiday-beach/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:11:00 -0400 Community The ERCA and Holiday Beach Migration Observatory festival ran Sept. 19 and 20, with raptor shows, the Hawk Tower and banding. The Festival of Hawks ran Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20 at Holiday Beach. It is co-hosted by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO). Gates were open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission was $20 per vehicle per day, with seasonal pass holders included. The program included the Hawk Tower, live bird of prey shows at 10 a.m. and noon by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, bird banding, hikes and a vendor village. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-19-central-library-last-day-paul-martin/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-19-central-library-last-day-paul-martin/ Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:11:00 -0400 Library Central closed Sept. 20 to 23 for its move and reopens Sept. 24 at 400 City Hall Square, Windsor Public Library says. Saturday, Sept. 19 was the last public day for Central Library at 185 Ouellette Ave. in the Paul Martin Building, according to Windsor Public Library (WPL). Central is closed Sept. 20 to 23 for the move. It reopens Thursday, Sept. 24 at 400 City Hall Square. WPL's nine other branches stay open in between. Unclear: where Central's permanent home will be after the interim City Hall Square location. https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-19-spotted-lanternfly-windsor/ https://windsornewsdesk.ca/stories/2026-09-19-spotted-lanternfly-windsor/ Sat, 19 Sep 2026 09:53:00 -0400 Environment An official CFIA survey confirmed a live spotted lanternfly in Windsor. Movement restrictions apply to regulated plant materials. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) lists a September 2026 spotted lanternfly Detection in Windsor, Ontario. CFIA uses Detection to mean a live spotted lanternfly confirmed through official CFIA surveys, not only a public report. The Invasive Species Centre says this is the first confirmed detection in Ontario and in Canada, with the survey confirmed Sept. 15, 2026. Movement restrictions apply to regulated plant materials. CFIA has not confirmed an established, reproducing population. The insect threatens grapevines and other crops, as well as yards and parks. If you see one, take a photo, put it in a sealable bag and report it to CFIA at inspection.canada.ca.