Windsor considering CIPs to support housing development, automotive factory renos

Drew Dilkens
Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Windsor city council will consider three new community improvement plan (CIP) applications at a meeting today (Jan. 30) that, if approved, could build hundreds of new homes and create jobs.

A significant development proposal is to construct two 20-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 include about 5,000 square feet of commercial space, and the towers would build more than 540 new residential units. While this proposal is currently seeking site plan approval, city staff is recommending that the development group be awarded funds through the Brownfield Rehabilitation Grant Program to begin works associated with soil and groundwater standards, expected to cost about $62,000.

Approving the CIP application would help unlock millions of dollars in investment and increase the availability of urban housing stock in Windsor, according to a staff report.

“We are very pleased that the City of Windsor, through the CIP Grant Program, can show its support for this dynamic new sustainable green project for the downtown core of the city,” PA Architects principal architect Joseph Passa said in a statement. “This Brownfield Development Grant approval by city council provides funding for our efforts to investigate and remove any hazardous material from the site to enable our project to proceed through the site plan approval stage.”

The second application under consideration is from Motech (DS C&K), a major parts supplier for the NextStar Energy electric vehicle (EV) battery plant.

In 2022, the City of Windsor signed a letter of intent with Dongshin and 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.

The third CIP application is from the Heimat Windsor Banquet Centre which has applied for $32,000 in grants through the Main Streets CIP and Ford City CIP programs for replacement, restoration and beautification improvements to the exterior of the building.

“The CIP funding will allow us the opportunity to create a more approachable, recognizable and comfortable atmosphere in Ford City,” said business owner Ryan Stiller. “Removing security bars and blocked-in windows and the addition of our sign are just a few of the items included in the full project.

“We are thankful to have the opportunity for this funding as well as our friends and family spending countless hours of their time helping where they could. We look forward to welcoming the community to our beautiful Bavarian inspired home.”

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,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “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.”

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