When Windsor City Council meets on Monday to discuss its seven-point plan to revitalize downtown, it'll do so knowing the other eight business improvement associations in the city stand behind it.
The Downtown Windsor BIA says the plan to enhance economic vitality, safety and cultural vibrancy will benefit all of Windsor.
It'll take years to implement the entire strategy and will cost over $3.2-million.
The plan "Strengthen the Core" was announced on April 23.
"Our Strengthen the Core plan is about addressing safety concerns, cleaning up the downtown and implementing measures to encourage new investments," said Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The plan calls for adding another 12 Windsor Police officers to the City Central Patrol Team and increasing the police auxiliary. A bylaw enforcement officer will be dedicated to enforcing property standards, while fines for unkept properties will increase. The city will hire an economic development project lead and provide incentives to attract investors and fill vacant storefronts.
On top of the $ 3.2 million, another $1-million is already included in the capital budget to improve lighting, add garbage receptacles, and beautify the streetscape.
Ettore Bonato, with the Ottawa Street BIA, readily offered his endorsement.
"There is so much going on in the City of Windsor these days with new businesses moving to the city, plants being built in support of a cleaner, less polluted world, the new and improved bridge connecting Canada to the United States, and the announcement of new housing space," said Bonato. "With all that is happening, it is wonderful to see the City of Windsor, along with its business partners and the Downtown BIA, positively working together."
The chair of the Sandwich Town BIA, Stephen Hargreaves, similarly offered his enthusiasm.
"The Strengthen the Core plan aligns with the values of Sandwich Town: unity, diversity, inclusivity, and a relentless drive to develop the most valuable segments of our city," he added.
Strategy Corp developed the plan after consulting with stakeholders and the public.
* With files from Maureen Revait.