‘Upward trajectory’: What’s at stake in Windsor’s Ward 2 byelection

At the heart of Windsor’s Ward 2, Sandwich Town residents are hoping to see their next representative continue the momentum without sacrificing the neighborhoods charm.

The race is set in the City of Windsor’s Ward 2 byelection after the list of candidates was finalized.

Candidates will now pitch residents for their vote in the race to replace former Ward 2 representative Fabio Costante, who resigned in June.

On Monday evening, CTV News spoke with residents about what the priorities must be for those seeking the open seat in council chambers.

For Mary Demarce, a lifelong area resident, there’s a want to keep the community safe and maintain it’s charm.

“The safetyness, you know, we’re pretty safe here in Sandwich Town,” said Demarce.

At the heart of Ward 2 is Sandwich Town, a centuries-old neighbourhood known for its history and diversity.

“I think Sandwich is already pretty great, and really, you don’t need to do much more than just keep at what it’s already been doing,” Anthony Regits told CTV News.

Though the need to preserve Ward 2 proved to be a trend, Terry Kennedy is calling for more accountability and communication.

“Please consult the people in the neighborhood because, without consultation, you’re literally going to lose the community that we have,” Kennedy said.

‘Upward trajectory’

After decades of tumult and a murky future, Sandwich Town has enjoyed a resurgence that has community leaders optimistic about its future.

For the next council representative, the head of the Sandwich Town BIA feels there are “very big shoes to fill” if that momentum is to continue.

“Over the last, let’s say five, ten years, we’ve been very much on an upward trajectory, which it’s drawn a lot of attention positively to this neighborhood,” said Stephen Hargreaves.

Hargreaves noted while Downtown Windsor has a lot to offer, there has seemingly been a shift in the wants of visitors and residents.

“I’ve seen a huge uptick in traffic and patronage of our businesses and our neighborhoods because people want an urban area where they feel safe and comfortable hanging out in,” he said.

With the completion of large construction projects and the impending opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, there’s a belief that all of Ward 2 has room to grow.

“I hope that individual is somebody who really cares about this area,” Hargreaves said.

“As we are on the doorstep of the opening of the new bridge, as we are in the tail end of the street scaping, it’s probably the most important time of our area when it comes to our political representation.”

The BIA head added the next councillor must ensure growth from the new bridge happens “with a responsibility to our neighborhood,” rather than by pushing out those who call it home.

Significance

The winner of the Oct. 27 byelection will earn a nearly one-year term at Windsor City Hall.

Almost exactly one year later, on Oct. 26, 2026, voters across the province will head to the polls for municipal elections.

The short term will still provide the byelection winner a leg up in 2026, said Lydia Miljan, a professor of political science at the University of Windsor.

Miljan told CTV News the “dress rehearsal” will allow the winner to pad their pitch to voters ahead of the next vote.

“The successful person will have that one year under their belt to say, ‘You know what, I understand how this office works. I understand municipal government better than I did when I ran in the byelection,’” Miljan explained.