Why some boarded-up homes in Windsor’s west end are being demolished

Derelict homes are being demolished beside the Ambassador Bridge. CTV Windsor's Sanjay Maru has the story.

Several boarded-up homes in Windsor’s west end are being demolished to make way for a new commercial vehicle inspection plaza at the base of the Ambassador Bridge.

The City of Windsor has issued permits to tear down 14 homes on Indian Road between Wyandotte Street and Mill Street, along with additional properties on Rosedale Avenue. Five more applications are being processed.

The homes are owned by the Canadian Transit Company (CTC), which has been involved in a lengthy legal dispute with the city over bridge developments in the area.

Ward 2 Coun. Fabio Costante said the demolition is part of a federal permit granted in 2017.

“This is just part of their dealings with the CBSA and the feds,” said Costante. “We’re going through this phase now.”

While the demolitions may address some neighbourhood concerns, Costante said, several vacant properties remain.

“We’ve got several other homes that remain in the neighbourhood — on Bloomfield, Edison, Brock, Felix, — that I’m hoping we can come to a resolution with sooner than later,” he said.

For longtime Sandwich Town resident Rob Ferguson, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years, the demolitions are a welcome change.

“It’s [going to] be a lot cleaner,” Ferguson said. “It’s been tough for 15 years.”

He said the boarded-up homes have brought ongoing issues to the neighbourhood.

“There’s been trash, everything,” Ferguson said. “So, anything that improves things is better than what it’s been.”

According to Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, the city continues to work with the CTC to address remaining concerns.

“Progress is moving, but it’s slow,” said Dilkens. “But I’m very positive that we’re going to find a common ground that resolves the issues and ultimately does what we’ve been trying to do all along: to protect Sandwich Town, the oldest part of our city.”

Costante added resolving the remaining issues is key to improving the area.

“For us to really realize the true potential of Sandwich Town, we need a full and final resolution,” he said. “Once that’s achieved, I think people are going to love this neighbourhood even more.”