Is it just me, or has there been a slight shift in attitudes towards our downtown as of late?Windsorites have always been a somewhat pessimistic bunch, but there seems to be a desire, scratch that - a need - to believe that we are capable of something more than simply our Sin City reputation of Rub 'N Tugs and the Windsor Ballet. You hear reference to "change" a lot in the media and from our politicians lips, but this is different. It seems as though the citizens of Windsor, tired of waiting for our benevolent dictator to swoop in and rescue us, are picking up the torch ourselves and collectively determining our own future.
That sentiment was palpable at the Windsor Armouries last night, as hundreds of citizens clamoured for chairs in the hopes that what they were going to hear was more than just wishful thinking on the part of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO). This was obviously not a City of Windsor presentation, as the notable lack of thousand dollar artist renderings and high-priced consultants allowed room for the sense of hope and sincere desire for progressive change of the residents. This wasn't a snow job meant to dupe people into swallowing a mystery pill that would give them heartburn for years. This was the real deal.
And a real opportunity for Windsor to define itself as a true cultural destination. The DWBIA's ever-optimistic president, Larry Horwitz, was on hand to outline how a revitalized Armouries building would strengthen the fabric of a rejuvenated core. Maestro John Morris Russell outlined the strengths this fabulous building possesses which would put this city in the North American big leagues. And WSO board president Vicky Kyriaco-Wilson went into the business case that proved it was within Windsorites best interest to throw their support behind this project. (click here for the power point presentation she delivered at the open house) From today's Windsor Star...
Kyriaco-Wilson announced in a presentation that the WSO will be asking the City of Windsor for $60,000 to partially fund an economic feasibility study on the renovation project.
According to Kyriaco-Wilson, the money the WSO is requesting from council could come from the city's "Culture Capital Projects Budget," which set aside $125,000 of taxpayer money (ed: which, according to Kyriaco-Wilson, is left over from last years budget) for arts and culture projects in Windsor.
The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association has already committed $10,000 to the study. Kyriaco-Wilson said the WSO has raised an additional $10,000 from donors, and is seeking provincial and federal grants to cover another $20,000, bringing the total cost of the feasibility study to $100,000.
I just wish that I had the audio capabilities to let you hear how amazing the sound is in this hall, with the Windsor Community Orchestra and a quintet of WSO brass players demonstrating the aural capabilities of this heritage building - as it sits in all of it's original splendour. If there was ever a need for the people of the city of Windsor to voice their support, now is the time.
It is evident that contrary to popular belief, Windsorites have not given up on their city. They are actively working at bringing about positive change. Take SDW reader James Coulter's vision (inset picture) of what our core could accomplish with some visionary leadership and the testicular fortitude to do what they know is right. The 200 - 300 people who came out to the Armouries last night is a testament to the desire to reclaim our downtown. We just need to bring more people into the fold, and as Maestro John Morris Russell asked us to do last night - talk to your friends, family and relatives about the possibilities and get in touch with our municipal decision makers.
Mayor Eddie Francis, 350 City Hall Square West, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 6S1, 519-255-6315, mayoro@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 1 - Dave Brister, 847 Lounsborough, Windsor, Ontario, N9G 1G3, 519-250-7960, dbrister@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 1 - Drew Dilkens, 3125 Massey Court, Windsor, Ontario, N9E 2Z6, 519-250-5607, ddilkens@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 2 - Ron Jones, 390 Randolph Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 2T6, 519-252-1005, rjoones@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 2 - Caroline Postma, 841 Bruce Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, 519-971-0728, cpostma@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 3 - Alan Halberstadt, 2517 Gail Road, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 2Z7, 519-973-8323, ahalberstadt@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 3 - Fulvio Valentinis, 2173 Victoria Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N8X 1P8, 519-977-5067, fvalentinis@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 4 - Ken Lewenza Jr., 1741 Tourangeau Road, Windsor, Ontario, N8Y 4J9, 519-948-9328, klewenza@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 4 - Bill Marra, 2475 Buckingham Drive, Windsor, Ontario, N8T 2B4, 519-948-0900, bmarra@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 5 - Jo-Anne gignac, 246 St. Rose Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N8S 1X2, 519-945-4434, joagignac@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 5 - Percy Hatfield, 3025 Claxton Court, Windsor, Ontario, N8R 1P9, 519-739-9575, phatfield@city.windsor.on.ca
Feel free to call 311 to verify your Ward representation. You can make a difference!
ED (12/06/07): From today's Windsor Star, Gord Henderson with these words of wisdom...
"We could, if the community desire is there, make this happen and demonstrate that Windsor is more than a sports-loving, blue-collar burg that's down on its luck"
