Ontario Construction News staff writer
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens tabled the 2025 city budget this week with a focus on investment, growth, and sustainability.
The 2025 recommended 10-Year Capital Budget is $2.24 billion, an amount that Dilkens says will sustain the city’s continued “sharp growth trajectory”, with the increase primarily made up of increased growth and development in the Sandwich South lands and surrounding areas.
This includes $312.7 million in capital investments for 2025. The City’s increase in average annual investment in roads and sewers infrastructure is 88% since 2019.
If approved by council, the budget will include:
- $856.8 million for roads;
- $485.2 million for sewers; and
- $186.2 million for parks and recreation.
Notable 2025 investments through the capital plan include a number of projects that support development around the NextStar Energy EV battery factory, the site of the future Windsor-Essex Acute Care Hospital, and further development of Sandwich South, including the servicing of airport lands.
These include:
- $169.3 million for Lauzon Parkway / Cabana Road East – County Road 42
- $35.6 million for airport employment lands servicing
- $15 million for the Lauzon Parkway Extension to the 401
- $50 million for the Banwell Road / E.C. Row Expressway Interchange
- $43.6 million for the Banwell Corridor
- $6.2 million for the East Riverside Planning District on Wyandotte
Other notable infrastructure projects for 2025 include Howard Avenue / South Camera intersection work between Division Road and Kenilworth Road, ongoing work on Lauzon, north of the E.C. Row Expressway and University Avenue.
Project tenders are expected to be released this year for the new Peace Fountain, as well as the installation of a cricket pitch for Derwent Park, Phase 1A of the South Cameron Trail and replacement of the Optimist playground.
The public and City Council now has two weeks to review the budget before council will hear from delegations on Jan. 13 and then deliberate on Jan. 27.
“This proposed 2025 municipal budget for the City of Windsor focuses on investment, growth, and sustainability, while delivering a modest tax levy increase to the residents and navigating the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapid and unprecedented growth of our city and the surrounding region,” Dilkens said in a statement. “Windsor is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country, and one of the most important communities in Ontario and Canada. While ensuring that Windsor remains one of the most affordable cities of its size in the province, this proposed budget is designed to empower progress, strategically bolster and streamline services, and build a stronger and more resilient city for future generations.”