City of Windsor Community Improvement Plan Grants Attract Investment and Economic Renewal
Windsor City Council will consider three new community improvement plan (CIP) applications at the January 30, 2023, meeting of Council that would, if approved, see new investments undertaken to create jobs, build residential housing units and invest in the local hospitality industry.
Heimat Windsor Banquet Centre, located in the heart of the Ford City business improvement area (BIA), has applied for nearly $32,000 in grants through the Main Streets CIP and Ford City CIP programs. Funds would go towards replacement, restoration and beautification improvements to the exterior of the building. The municipal contribution would help leverage over $113,000 in private sector investments in this facility to improve the exterior of the building and the open space seating area.
“Our CIP program is working to drive investment in every corner of the city of Windsor. New residential units downtown, new jobs in the EV battery supply chain sector and investments in historic Ford City businesses are all part of our Windsor Works plan for jobs and growth. These strategic investments are delivering results for Windsor residents and businesses at a time of incredible promise and opportunity for our community.”
City of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens
A significant development proposal has been made to construct two twenty-storey mixed-use buildings (connected by a common podium) on a vacant site at the intersection of Goyeau Street and Elliot Street East in downtown Windsor. The ground floor would contain over 5,000 square feet of commercial space, and the towers would contain over 540 new residential dwellings. While this proposal is currently seeking site plan approval, administration is recommending that the development group be awarded funds through the Brownfield Rehabilitation Grant Program to undertake works associated with soil and groundwater standards, anticipated to cost about $62,000. Moving forward on this CIP application would help unlock millions of dollars in investment and increase the availability of urban housing stock in Windsor.
In 2022, the City of Windsor signed a letter of intent with Dongshin Motech (DS C&K), a major parts supplier for the NextStar Energy electric vehicle (EV) battery plant. Through the Economic Revitalization CIP program, DS C&K would be eligible for an estimated total grant value of approximately $2.7 million as part of their plan to invest over $32.million towards the construction of their manufacturing facility near Windsor International Airport. When complete, this plant will be a key supplier of aluminum casings to the NextStar Energy EV battery plant and create over 200 new local jobs.
