Click on Image to EnlargeFor services rendered above and beyond what is required by taxpayers.
Link to Windsor Star:
July 30, 2009
July 29, 2009
WINDSOR BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
View Of Ukranian Credit Union from Walker Road
View of Walker Road from the Ukranian Credit Union
Its good for me. Is it good for you?
July 27, 2009
Windsor Wards. Unnecessary Change Not the Answer.
Current Ward MapIt seems that many have their knickers in a knot over Windsor Wards. Dr. Robert Williams, a consultant hired by the City has cobbled four options together for our review. Four, five, eight and and ten ward systems respectively. Of those, the lead contenders are the five and ten ward options. The underlying logic for these two specific options is born out of our current and familiar five ward system and our ten elected councilors. Five and ten, a two councilors per ward system.
So what is the contention? Why are some citizens and bloggers whipping themselves into a frenzy about all of this? On the surface they are upset with Council's seeming unpreparedness to deal with the subject or perhaps they think City Council just blew off a $20,000 consultant fee for nothing. When the layers get peeled off though the true underlying motive becomes apparent. They simply want change. A ten ward system with ten councilors is what they are really bucking for. Something, anything, but not the status quo. That in itself is fine and dandy but to date there has been no qualification as to why a ten ward system. Dr. William's report sites reasons like accountability, easy praise and blame, no buck passing and a greater possibility of acclamations. Others suggest that a one-councilor per ward system is less favourable to the encumbent (only in the first election - status quo after that), that it affords more personalized service, familiarity and lower cost. All of these are pretty weak reasons because all of them equally apply to our current two councilor per ward/five ward system. All of these points can be handily argued both ways. One rationale the good Doctor argues is that "other large Canadian Cities are doing it so why shouldn't Windsor"? Lets just throw that one out. Proponents of change seem to want to prove a conspiracy; perhaps the reason why they throw around terms like "ward reform". Since when did this become a revolution? It's just housekeeping; regular every day business. The bottom line is that all of our elected officials will still end up sitting around the same table and conducting business accordingly. Musical chairs will not affect that.
Evolution
Been there, done that. Windsor has already done the one councilor per ward thing (eight wards). That ended in 1978 and was replaced with the current ward structure that we have today. One has to wonder if there was a call for ward reform then. Historically Windsor has had as many as 18 councilors and as few as six. We have to be very cautious in proposing a change (to ten wards) which is essentially nothing more than a reversal. Perhaps "ward reform" is really not the big change that people are seeking. We have to answer that question in ernest.
Whats wrong with our current five ward system?
Nothing really. Our current ward map lays out quite well. Boundaries are in logical, meaningful places and the map flows accordingly. The election process is simple, orderly and familiar to a fault. In short, there have been no real complaints but time is hinting that some tweaking is necessary. The big issue is population disparities between wards; otherwise known as growing pains. Wards one and Five are experiencing all of the development and population growth which has left representation a little thinner than in other wards. Wards two and three are said to be in trouble because they are vulnerable to population loss (this is a subject of debate). Any true and real growth potential is limited to the southern and eastern fringes of the city. Windsor's population at large is shrinking. From 205,000 in 2006 to 203,000 today. That slide continues.
Where to from Here?
Dr. Williams has presented a five ward proposal that pretty much scrambles the map. Most of the wards are in completely different places than they are today and his boundaries seem quite choppy. If we really analyse our current five ward map it comes into plain view that windsor's ward structure has lots of promise for logical and functional improvement. Push the existing southern boudaries of wards two and three down to displace some of ward one. Ward two's western boundary can extend west also displacing a good chunk of ward one. The eastern boundary of ward two can move a couple of blocks to Aylmer/Howard which will solve the downtown boundary issue and the ward three eastern boundary can likewise move a couple of blocks east to take in Drouillard Road. The boundaries between wards three and five can be smoothed out in the north reach and wards four and five can be easily divided along the Jefferson Avenue and 9th concession corridors. If need be, ward three has plenty of growing room to the south. The result of all of this is a better balanced ward system in a familiar way, in a geographic way and in a socio-economic way.
So what is the contention? Why are some citizens and bloggers whipping themselves into a frenzy about all of this? On the surface they are upset with Council's seeming unpreparedness to deal with the subject or perhaps they think City Council just blew off a $20,000 consultant fee for nothing. When the layers get peeled off though the true underlying motive becomes apparent. They simply want change. A ten ward system with ten councilors is what they are really bucking for. Something, anything, but not the status quo. That in itself is fine and dandy but to date there has been no qualification as to why a ten ward system. Dr. William's report sites reasons like accountability, easy praise and blame, no buck passing and a greater possibility of acclamations. Others suggest that a one-councilor per ward system is less favourable to the encumbent (only in the first election - status quo after that), that it affords more personalized service, familiarity and lower cost. All of these are pretty weak reasons because all of them equally apply to our current two councilor per ward/five ward system. All of these points can be handily argued both ways. One rationale the good Doctor argues is that "other large Canadian Cities are doing it so why shouldn't Windsor"? Lets just throw that one out. Proponents of change seem to want to prove a conspiracy; perhaps the reason why they throw around terms like "ward reform". Since when did this become a revolution? It's just housekeeping; regular every day business. The bottom line is that all of our elected officials will still end up sitting around the same table and conducting business accordingly. Musical chairs will not affect that.
Evolution
Been there, done that. Windsor has already done the one councilor per ward thing (eight wards). That ended in 1978 and was replaced with the current ward structure that we have today. One has to wonder if there was a call for ward reform then. Historically Windsor has had as many as 18 councilors and as few as six. We have to be very cautious in proposing a change (to ten wards) which is essentially nothing more than a reversal. Perhaps "ward reform" is really not the big change that people are seeking. We have to answer that question in ernest.
Whats wrong with our current five ward system?
Nothing really. Our current ward map lays out quite well. Boundaries are in logical, meaningful places and the map flows accordingly. The election process is simple, orderly and familiar to a fault. In short, there have been no real complaints but time is hinting that some tweaking is necessary. The big issue is population disparities between wards; otherwise known as growing pains. Wards one and Five are experiencing all of the development and population growth which has left representation a little thinner than in other wards. Wards two and three are said to be in trouble because they are vulnerable to population loss (this is a subject of debate). Any true and real growth potential is limited to the southern and eastern fringes of the city. Windsor's population at large is shrinking. From 205,000 in 2006 to 203,000 today. That slide continues.
Where to from Here?
Dr. Williams has presented a five ward proposal that pretty much scrambles the map. Most of the wards are in completely different places than they are today and his boundaries seem quite choppy. If we really analyse our current five ward map it comes into plain view that windsor's ward structure has lots of promise for logical and functional improvement. Push the existing southern boudaries of wards two and three down to displace some of ward one. Ward two's western boundary can extend west also displacing a good chunk of ward one. The eastern boundary of ward two can move a couple of blocks to Aylmer/Howard which will solve the downtown boundary issue and the ward three eastern boundary can likewise move a couple of blocks east to take in Drouillard Road. The boundaries between wards three and five can be smoothed out in the north reach and wards four and five can be easily divided along the Jefferson Avenue and 9th concession corridors. If need be, ward three has plenty of growing room to the south. The result of all of this is a better balanced ward system in a familiar way, in a geographic way and in a socio-economic way.
One Five Ward Proposal. Ward 3 Can be Easily Adjusted to the South if Necessary.
The big question remains: Refine or change? Anyone looking at the ten ward system is purely looking at political consequences. They are looking for wholesale change no matter what. Some are looking for a one time, easy way to a councilor's seat and others are just looking to upset certain councilors chances of re-election. This cannot be the approach taken with ward boundaries. Common sense and cool heads have to prevail. Given the givens a refinement to our existing ward map is the best approach. Changing for change's sake, especially going back to a place where we have already been (an eight ward system), is less than progressive. If one wants to effect change within city council that is what elections are for.
So... council set the issue aside for a bit. No big deal. Give them as much time as required to deliver the right solution. After all, we will be living with their decision for a long time. The consultation fee is not lost. We paid for it and it remains at our disposal to be used however we wish. Or not. The nature of information. We use it or we file it for future reference. In the mean time, lets make the right change for the right reasons.
July 16, 2009
Art Walkerville Starts Tomorrow at 4:00 P.M.
Do not forget. Write it on your wrist. The seventh annual Art Walkerville starts tomorrow. This is the first time this event will run for two days. Friday Evening and Saturday.
Over 40 shops and businesses will be taking part this year with many new, interesting and exiting additions. Must see's are the new shop center on Argyle, new restaurants and eateries, some exceptional adult pubs. Even The Olde Walkerville Pharmacy is doing something special. Then of coarse there is the art. Lots of it. Featured artists include Vincent Francois, Janice Kersey and Nancy Johns just to name a few. All media. Oil, acrylic, water, sculpture etc. A perfect venue to nab some new colour and texture for your home. At 9:30 P.M., if you are not held up at any of many parties or receptions, you can watch a featured outdoor movie on the corner of Argyle and Wyandotte.
Here's a hint: Friday evening tends to be an adult venue for some obvious reasons (you know...schmoozing) although families are certainly welcome too. Saturday, starting at 11:00 A.M. is an all out day for everyone, especially the kids. Puppet show, face painting chalk artists and strolling musicians will be featured.
Wether you come right from the office on Friday Evening (which you should) or show up on Saturday, this thing is about Art and fun. That much is Guaranteed. See you out there.
One other thing: Be shure to stop by the innaugural opening of a brand new art gallery on Monmouth Road just off of Wyandotte. Three accomplished artists (one from T.O.).
Say no more. This promises to be a good schmooze too.
Location:
628 Monmouth Road
Unit G6
The big door will be open.
Unit G6
The big door will be open.
Venture in.
July 14, 2009
New Art Gallery Offers Sneak Peak for Art Walkerville
Art Gallery opens on Monmouth Road
July 17 & 18
Art Walkerville has a new participant. A new gallery has been quietly ramping up at 628 Monmouth Road. White walls and panels have been going up for the past several weeks and three artists will be showing their work right through this years Art Walkerville. No names will be given up here. Everyone is invited so be sure to stop in for the party. A social not to be missed.
628 Monmouth Road
Unit G6
The big door will be open.
Everyone is invited to come in and explore the space.
This is big.
ART WALKERVILLE 2009
OLD WALKERVILLE ART WALK THIS WEEKEND
Lots of new shops, galleries and eateries this year. An absolute, fun, must participate kind of event. A great Schmooze fest for adults and families alike. Don't forget. This Friday and Saturday. You won't be disapointed.
July 11, 2009
Old Outhouses in Walkerville
This beauty obviously housed a horse or two. Notice the wooden beam hoist.
All it needs is a wooden block and tackle and a new swinging door to bring it back to glory.
If you pay attention there are always new finds in Old Walkerville. They might be in the form of a garden, of a gate, of a store front, or, in this case a few out buildings that can tell stories about back in the day. Take a look.
This one was probably a carriage house in it's day. Notice the 30 amp mast and socket.
This brick beauty is only 4 years old.
It's owner obviously has tremendous respect for the neighbourhoods history and character.
The slow arches and brick ribbon match those of the main building. Impressive. Kudos.
This building is a rare gem. It is obviously a kit building from who knows what era.
It is 100% steel construction. Roof, siding, doors, all.
Three buckets of tremclad would put this keeper on the map.
Roof and siding. All steel. It screams "paint me" doesn't it?
A good bet might be that the roof was originally red and the building green with red trim.
These buildings have for the most part been sitting "as is" for decades. Do the owners realize their value? One can only wonder. Maybe they like their rustic charm as is. Hopefully they are appreciated and will someday be brought back to their original glory. They will certainly bring Old Walkerville along with them.
July 9, 2009
Walker Road Eyesore a Danger to Pedestrians, Kids
This twisted mess has been sitting unattended for too long. Going on one year now. It will probably become a landmark for Windsor as we know the Google Car Cam was roaming around this area a couple of weeks ago. It took one week to demolish and clear the Seagrave site, three days to drop and clear the Bank of Montreal and it looks like even less time to raze and dispose of the old Howitt dealership. So whats up with this mess? A Gordian knot of brick, beams and burned out machinery and cars, it is spilling over onto sidewalks. Kids are starting to explore the site which is an unstable heap at best. Why is it not cleared out? Who is responsible? Why do Windsorites and visitors have to look at it day after day? Who is sitting on their hands here? Does anybody know?
July 8, 2009
Ottawa St. Strip Mall Gets New Anchor
If ever there were grounds to break a lease...Remember this bank building on the corner of Ottawa Street and Walker Road? It was razed in the name of progress or something like that. The owner's reasoning was that he would lose a multi-year tenant if he left it up. See here:http://themayorofmonmouth.blogspot.com/2008/06/city-invests-zero-effort-to-save.html
and here:
Once again the City fumbled the heritage ball by not protecting this building and so this rock solid bank had to come down to create parking for a new credit union to be incorporated into the existing strip mall. A ten year lease worth $340,000.00. That roughly translates into $34,000.00 per year. Wow.
As it were, the new anchor of that day turned out to be the Ukranian Credit Union. They must have been proud to display their new diggs with visibility flanking all corners. Location, location, location!
Well...As business savvy would have it, things change. Now there is a new anchor for the plaza and it now owns the prestigious location and all of its stunning visibility. See here:
Ukranian Credit Union is in the Background...Somewhere.
The new anchor sits right on the corner of Ottawa and Walker; right where the original Bank of Montreal once stood. It not only obliterates the visibility of the new Ukranian Credit Union; it also plays havoc with traffic visibility.
So what is this new anchor? The truth shall be known! It's a trash pad to house the strip mall's trash containers. Clever isn't it? And a much , much better use than the heritage building it replaces. Yup...Thats business acumen. Most of the garbage it will hide will probably come from the breakfast joint at the other end of the mall (perhaps the true anchor). If they want, the Credit Union can buy advertising on it to identify their new location.
Maybe Windsor really does deserve the moniker: "Garbage Town".
July 7, 2009
We all Screamed
2009 Amherstburg Ice Cream Festival a Lot of Fun
A very nice festival and lots to do for the whole family. If you missed it this year be sure to try it out next time. Some pics:
IS THIS THE ORIGINAL CONE HEAD?
LOTS OF ICE CREAM FOR SURE
STEADY CROWD ALL DAY LONG
A NICE NEW WATER PARK FOR THE KIDS. A GOOD EXCUSE FOR A DAY VISIT TO THE BURG.
July 2, 2009
Windsor Police Drive Illegal Dumpers Out of Old Walkerville
LAST OF THE JUNK LEAVING
Back on June 6, during Art in the Park, Old Walkeville was given a gift by a questionable auto garage on Crawford Avenue. On that day, and on a couple of subsequent days, several car carcasses and "chopped" portions of cars along with a pile of tires and plastic components were dropped onto an empty field on Walker Road. See here:
http://rpc.blogrolling.com/redirect.php?r=8fba588f43e9afcebc9f4638b59038fe&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemayorofmonmouth.blogspot.com%2F
Police officers responding to the situation told neighbours and witnesses that there was nothing that they could do because this dumping amounted to a by-law infraction (hey...we know that police officers have the authority to write by-law tickets). The neighbourhood was pretty much settled with the idea that they would have to wait for the City strike to end before anything could be done.
While all of this was happening it seems that another division of the Windsor Police was monitoring the event through this blog. Inspector Dave Perpich from the Investigative Section of Windsor Police Service contacted the blog to gather up details for further investigation. His crew followed up by investigating all of the vehicles in question as well as with their owner from Crawford Road. They were given orders to remove everything from that site by the 22nd of June. For whatever reason the perps removed some of the stuff but not all of it. The Police Service Group rode them like goats over the next week or so until they were in complete compliance. So there you have it. A great job by the eyes and ears of the Windsor Police Department. They WERE watching. The best part comes in the form of a couple of e-mails as follows:
Subject: RE: Illegal Dumping of Auto Parts 800 Blk Walker Road
Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:10:11 -0400
From: dperpich@police.windsor.on.ca
To: momnews@hotmail.com
Peter
Pls inform the neighbours that the WPS appreciates any information regarding illegal activity whether it be criminal or bylaw related. We certainly depend on their eyes and ears, believe me!!
Regards
Inspector Dave Perpich
Windsor Police Service
Investigative Section
(519)255-6700 Ex 4803
Subject: RE: Illegal Dumping of Auto Parts 800 Blk Walker Road
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:07:00
From: dperpich@police.windsor.on.ca
Peter
My Detective has advised that the remaining items have in fact been removed. I hope that we can put this matter to rest. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. The WPS is only as good as the information and support we receive from its citizens. If we can assist in the future please contact us.
Regards
Inspector Dave Perpich
Windsor Police Service Investigative Section
(519)255-6700 Ex 4803
Hats off to Windsor Coppers. Well Done!
July 1, 2009
2009 ART WALKERVILLE FRIDAY JULY 17 & SATURDAY JULY 18!
2009 ART WALKERVILLE IS COMING SOON!
7th ANNUAL – Friday, July 17th & Saturday, July 18th
in Historic Old Walkerville
Stroll through 40 plus shops and businesses and enjoy Walkerville’s history, appreciation of fine art, and our neighbourhood style!
The Walkerville BIA is proud to once again host Art Walkerville, bringing together a collection of Windsor and Essex County’s finest artists with many small businesses that call Walkerville home. This exciting annual event, now in its’ 7th year, has brought thousands of people to the Walkerville neighbourhood to experience the flare of an area that is both trendy and respectful of its’ heritage.
Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to win a WEEKEND GETAWAY by having their passport stamped at all participating locations on Friday, July 17th from 4pm to 9pm or Saturday, July 18th from 11am to 5pm. Visitors will be eligible to win this wonderful grand prize that is valued at over $500.
Passport postcards will be mailed out to 20,000 Windsor residents, and made available at all participating shops beginning Wednesday, July 1st, 2009. In addition, an electronic version will be emailed to the many patrons of Walkerville’s businesses.
This year we will be hosting an outdoor movie to be shown on Friday, July 17th at 9:30pm on the corner of Argyle and Wyandotte St. E. Saturday, July 18th we will have face painters, sidewalk chalk artists and character artists throughout the area – so bring along the kids!
We are proud to announce that to date in 2009 we have had 12 new businesses open in Walkerville.
Come visit and check out what’s new!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)