Mayoral Candidate Drew Dilkens during the 2022 municipal campaign, September 13, 2022. (Photo by Maureen Revait) Mayoral Candidate Drew Dilkens during the 2022 municipal campaign, September 13, 2022. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
Windsor

Dilkens proposes downtown development corporation to boost revitalization

This week on the campaign trail, Windsor candidate Drew Dilkens presented his plans to support downtown redevelopment.

His plan includes continuing to fund and expand the community improvement plan and establishing a downtown economic development corporation.

"This isn't a development corp like Invest WindsorEssex this is a development corporation of people who will specifically focus on downtown-related issues," said Dilkens. "Some of them may have specific insight or interest in the projects that we're talking about so that we can get a broader conversation and remove some of the friction that is in place right now with places like a BIA. We want to see the growth, we don't have time for a side-show here. We don't want to miss the opportunity in front of us."

Dilkens noted there are many exciting projects already on the horizon for downtown. These include the redevelopment of the Paul Martin building, a new ice rink at City Hall Square, and the redevelopment of the Grace Hospital Site.

Dilkens also committed to continuing the search for a new permanent downtown library branch. He says it could become a destination for people heading downtown.

"I would like to see something like that, something that is impressive that is inviting to people, that is a place that people want to go not just to read books but to be part of theatre, to be part of all sorts of activities that you see in community centers," said Dilkens.

Dilkens' full plan for downtown redevelopment can be found here.

Also running for the position of Windsor mayor are Benjamin Danyluk, Aaron Day, Matthew Giancola, Chris Holt, Ernie Lamont, and Louis Vaupotic.

Election Day is October 24, 2022.

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