Four projects from Windsor's 2016 enhanced capital budget are moving to the tender phase.
The projects were originally approved as part of the enhanced capital budget during the regular budget deliberations in December of 2015. But some councillors are questioning why these projects were selected over others as they were not a part of the engineering department's five-year plan.
Mayor Drew Dilkens says he selected projects on the deficiency list based on the budget available and public comments.
"There are a tonne of roads that you can consider for this type of funding and so when I talk to councillors I ask them, what are you looking for in this budget? What are you trying to get done? And we talk like adults and we have mature conversation and they advocate on behalf of their residents," says Dilkens.
A total of $4.5-million will be spent on construction projects on North Talbot Rd. and the reconstruction of Southwood Lakes entrance, Devon Dr., North Service Rd., and Wyandotte St. E between Watson Ave and Riverdale Ave.
At the council meeting Monday night Ward 7 Councillor Irek Kusmierczyk pointed out there were several wards ignored in the selection of the road projects. But Dilkens says the enhanced capital budget includes approved funding for city-wide projects like ward funds and public art projects.
"There are some that don't advocate on behalf of their residents and so when you don't hear from people and you don't know what the priorities are even when you reach out to them it's difficult to guess what's on their mind. So at the end of the day you work with councillors who want to move projects forward, who want to have the conversation," says Dilkens.
Kusmierczyk says he "eagerly awaits" when projects in his ward are considered.
"I have advocated repeatedly for Banwell Rd. to be reconstructed. It is an absolute awful road, in the winter time the bumps are almost like a ski slalom," says Kusmierczyk.
Dilkens says he plans to put together an enhanced capital budget list for 2017 budget deliberations as well.
