The city said it hopes to use the survey to track progress in downtown Windsor over time
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The City of Windsor has launched a survey to gauge community perspectives and hone strategies two years after the launch of its highly touted downtown revitalization plan.
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“Strengthen the Core has always been about taking action, measuring results and continuing to build on every step forward,” said Ward 2 Coun. Renaldo Agostino. “Since the launch of the Strengthen the Core — Downtown Revitalization Plan, we’ve seen new investments, new amenities, more events and more opportunities for people to experience downtown Windsor.”
The city wants to hear from residents, business owners, service providers and visitors in an annual survey to help track progress in community perceptions, provide feedback on experiences, and identify opportunities for continued improvement in the downtown core.
The survey, which opened Friday, is available until Sept. 7. It comes two years after the city launched its Strengthen the Core (STC) — Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan, a multi-million-dollar strategy to clean up downtown, address safety concerns and attract more businesses and residents.
“Our efforts to breathe new life into the core extend far beyond identifying a vision for supporting vulnerable populations,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “We are working to address perceptions of safety through Project Greenlight and other impactful community safety measures. Dozens of unforgettable events and initiatives continue to regularly draw thousands of residents and visitors into the core.
The city said it hopes to use the survey to track progress in downtown Windsor over time, calling it a “critical step in ensuring the Strengthen the Core plan remains responsive, data-driven, and informed by the community.”
Feedback will help track progress, identify priorities and guide future investments, programming and partnerships. Results will be aggregated and shared through updates to city council.
“This annual survey gives everyone an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives, helping us better understand the impact of these efforts and identify opportunities to continue building on that momentum,” said Agostino.
The city said its strategy has already resulted in many initiatives aimed at improving safety, supporting investment and enhancing the overall downtown experience.
They range from $2.28 million in provincial funding for police to enhance community safety to a $500,000 Experience Windsor initiative with events including a pizza festival and Wheels Nights for roller skating.
“We’ve come a long way in creating the conditions to attract new investments, businesses, residents and visitors to our downtown,” said Dilkens. “Strengthen the Core is working, against all odds, and every investment and step forward reflects our efforts to protect Windsor’s future. I invite everyone to participate in this survey and help guide future work, standing in lockstep with the city and our committed partners in creating and sustaining the vibrant downtown we all deserve.”