The City of Windsor has put out the call to downtown shareholders for their ideas on making the core safer and more inclusive.
Windsor is teaming up with StrategyCorp consultants to create a method for downtown residents and business owners to sound off on the issues facing the neighbourhood.
Councillor Renaldo Agostino, whose ward includes the downtown core, announced the launch of a survey at City Hall Wednesday afternoon, along with Mayor Drew Dilkens and other councillors.
"We’ll be engaging with the community in a real-time way to provide the breathing room for residents and businesses to see improvement to the vibrancy of our core," said Agostino." A ‘Made in Windsor’ approach will not solve the core issues, and we all understand that. But, now is the time for understanding to lead to ideas, which will lead to actions that can change the landscape here."
The Downtown Windsor Revitalization Survey will be the centrepiece of this initiative. The City will also hold consultations with focus groups and downtown stakeholders to identify the core's main issues.
The downtown area has experienced an uptick in crime, with vandalism incidents against businesses. Homelessness and addiction are also issues, but Dilkens said positive things are going on as well.
"In 2023, we anticipate record-breaking values for building permits, marking unprecedented growth for our city," said Dilkens. "It is vital that we continue to prioritize the safety and prosperity of our downtown core to create the ideal conditions and environment that will not only foster economic growth but also draw more residents to our vibrant downtown. These consultations and surveys are the initial steps toward revitalizing our downtown."
The survey is now open on the City's official website and will take responses through October 18.
