As Windsor voters gear up to vote, two leading candidates for mayor in the city are emphasizing downtown revitalization and affordable housing. Incumbent mayor Drew Dilkens outlined plans for a new economic development area, a central downtown library branch, and upgrades to Windsor’s Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) during a press conference outside city hall. Dilkens stressed the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to address the complexities of downtown Windsor.
Meanwhile, challenger Francis, speaking at the former Grace Hospital site, proposed waiving fees for affordable housing construction, pre-zoning the downtown core to boost density, and eliminating parking minimums. Dilkens also revealed intentions to relocate the Downtown Mission and Pozitive Pathways Community Services to the H4 site from their current locations.
Dilkens defended his track record on downtown revitalization, citing initiatives like the Downtown Windsor Innovation District and Project Green Light, along with installing 60 cameras across the downtown area. He emphasized the importance of enhancing safety, cleanliness, private sector investments, housing development, and public space activation.
On the other hand, Francis pledged to prioritize affordable housing by introducing a housing first initiative, removing development charges in specific areas, and streamlining planning services for builders and residents. He highlighted the urgent need for affordable housing units in Windsor-Essex, pointing out the shortfall and the daily loss of time in addressing the issue.
Both candidates presented contrasting views on downtown development strategies and community benefits. Dilkens emphasized his commitment to enhancing public spaces like Festival Plaza and creating gathering areas for community engagement, while Francis focused on ensuring community benefits from new developments and promoting private investment through incentives.
Francis criticized Dilkens for what he deemed as inadequate plans with unclear budgets and timelines for downtown revitalization. Dilkens, however, expressed optimism about the potential relocation of the Downtown Mission to the H4 site and proposed repurposing the former downtown Tourism Ontario site as a new central library branch.
With the municipal election approaching on October 26, Dilkens and Francis are among the 11 mayoral candidates vying for the position, each advocating distinct visions for the future of Windsor.