Ward 1 residents weigh-in on their top concerns

Residents in Windsor’s Ward One took the opportunity on Wednesday evening to ask questions about the top issues in their neighbourhoods.

The ward meeting at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex drew about 40 people, looking to hear from Coun. Fred Francis.

Issues ranged from recycling pickup to plans for the clubhouse at Roseland Golf Course to speed reduction measures.

One resident posed a question about housing density, and city council’s meeting with Windsor-area MPPs and MPs earlier this week.

“City council is finally starting to reject housing over densification proposals, realizing not all proposals are the perfect fit for every neighbourhood,” the resident said, going on to ask Francis about his take on the discussion with provincial officials.

The provincial planning statement is used to steer municipal planning towards growth, but has been critiqued at times for being a one-size-fits-all model.

Municipalities, including Windsor, have at times been reluctant to oppose developments because provincial policies require specific details on what planning principles have been violated.

Francis said there’s a “disconnect” on what works in other parts of Ontario, like Toronto, compared to Windsor.

“There has to be some flexibility that each municipality is different, and we have to look at housing, look at growth on a case-by-case basis. Even when you look at neighborhoods throughout the city, every neighborhood in the city is not the same,” Francis told CTV News.

The event was attended by several other members of Windsor City Council, including Mayor Drew Dilkens.

The next meeting, covering Wards 6, 7, and 8, is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the WFCU Centre.