Streetcar 351 location going back to City Council for discussion
The location of Streetcar 351, once destined for the foot of Askin Avenue on the riverfront, will be heading back to Windsor City Council.
Back in September, the city announced the streetcar wouldn’t be built at the Celestial Beacon because it would rise above the crown of Riverside Drive, which went against its own bylaws.
Instead, it was proposed it be moved to Caron Avenue where height would no longer be an issue.
“We’ve got the money set aside and we’ve got a great plan, so I hope council is able to tackle that and move that project forward Monday,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The cost is $8.4 million and the group “Rally for our Riverfront” including Windsor resident Mike Cardinal, doesn’t believe the streetcar is fit for this space, either.
“The problem here is the legacy beacon was designated legacy because every of the CP rail train station and tower… We need something custom designed here, for the legacy beacon that celebrates that history and not blocks it. Putting the streetcar here could block the view,” said Cardinal.
A council decision on the location was deferred two weeks ago — to see how the Festival Plaza and Waterfront Beacon can be linked to the new City Hall Esplanade.
Cardinal, who won a Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) hearing against the city over the previous chosen site, questions, why the rush? Instead, he believes many would like to see it next to the Chimczuk Museum.
“It’s being pushed very hard, very fast, Cardinal said. “And just like anything that’s done too quickly, there’s danger of putting into concrete mistakes that could be corrected on paper.”
Also going before council, plans for a large canopy and redesign of the Festival Plaza, which is a $33-million project that even the mayor agrees, isn’t ready for council’s stamp of approval.
“Looking at different price options, different size options, I think would be appropriate,” Dilkens explained.
Once those options are available, Dilkens says the public should get a look and a chance to chime in.
“At the end of the day, we have a shared goal and that shared goal is to provide a great space, a great concert venue, a great entertainment venue along a beautiful waterfront for the people of Windsor-Essex to enjoy.“
Cardinal and a handful of other delegates are scheduled to speak before council on Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.