You may have noticed some colourful, funky lighting displays in downtown Windsor this weekend.
Crews have installed the first phase of decorative lighting along Ouellette Avenue between Riverside Drive and Pitt Street, with programmable LED string lights.
Along the block between Pitt and Chatham Streets are programmable LED hanging orb lights.
The lights are part of the City's ambitious Strengthen the Core - Downtown Revitalization Plan. The lights were installed in partnership with the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA).
"We’re thrilled about the new downtown lighting, it truly transforms the area," said DWBIA Chair Chris MacLeod. "What was once ordinary is now vibrant, bright, and undeniably cool. The ability to create dynamic light shows with shifting colours and patterns brings the space to life in exciting ways. It’s far from just a static display; it’s an immersive experience that completely changes how people perceive and engage with the city centre."
The City has provided the DWBIA with $38,000 for expenses related to the lights. The City’s financial and in-kind support has allowed the DWBIA to target approximately $160,000 toward the lighting elements.
"Whether we’re talking about Bright Lights Windsor at Jackson Park every December, or the lights at Campus Martius Park across the river over in Detroit, decorative lighting serves as a beacon to draw folks together, make them feel safe, and brighten up community neighbourhoods for all to enjoy," said Mayor Drew Dilkens.
Future stages of the decorative lighting could be installed to Tuscarora or Elliott Streets, according to the City, or even as far as Jackson Park.
Complete information on the Strengthen the Core program can be found on the mayor's official website.