Mayor Drew Dilkens

Join me this morning for a conversation with Shrenik Parikh, Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation board member and nominee for the Lerners Personal Injury Healthcare Champion award. Please vote each day for Shrenik online at https://healthcarechampions.lerners.ca/.

Residents still have time to contribute to the development of Windsor-Essex County’s Community Safety & Well-being Plan. Have your say in how we improve the quality of life for all residents by completing a survey and attending a virtual town hall tonight at 6:30 p.m. Learn more: http://ow.ly/EgWi50DT1tz

$500,000 in upgrades to Bridgeview Park are nearly complete. We have planted trees, added new park benches on concrete pads, installed paved pathways, asphalt parking and improved drainage. The improvements will be completed by the end of March, making this space greener, brighter, more inviting and accessible for all residents. Learn more: http://ow.ly/ykp050DUbHE

A victory for evidence-based decision making! http://ow.ly/XCAQ50DU7TD

All Windsor Public Library branches are offering computer & internet access on a limited first-first come, first-served basis. While no in-person browsing is yet available, contactless curbside pickup continues to be offered at all branches. More info: http://ow.ly/tLvA50DEMxb.

Proud to be joined by Mayor Hilda MacDonald in representing Windsor-Essex County for the first meeting of the Southwestern Ontario Transportation Task Force today chaired by London Mayor Ed Holder and attended by Ontario Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney. Our input, informed by our local needs, will help build better connections in our region.

The pandemic has placed tremendous financial pressures on municipalities like Windsor. Our commitment to fiscal responsibility puts us in a strong position to weather the pandemic storm we’re all facing. Watch to learn more:

If you run a small business in Windsor with 2 to 19 employees, you may be eligible to receive a one-time Ontario Government grant up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of #PPE. For more information or to apply, visit http://ontario.ca/COVIDSupport.

Registered health care professionals who are interested in volunteering for the next phases of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Windsor-Essex County are invited to complete an application on the Windsor-Essex County HEALTH UNIT’s website: http://ow.ly/DVJs50DEIBX For more info: http://ow.ly/WMst50DEIBZ.

Maintaining public safety is a top priority. The proposed Budget 2021 invests $111.2-million ($93.8 from municipal taxes) in police services to ensure Windsor Police are well-equipped and fully resourced to keep our community safe and welcoming. To learn more about the proposed budget, visit http://ow.ly/JYw950DEHI7

Residents still have time to give feedback on the proposed urban renewal plans for Wyandotte Street West & University Street West. What improvements would you like to see along these busy corridors? Tell us by completing this survey by January 8: http://ow.ly/eMce50D0tZV

Community organizations working to support children and youth are asked to complete the ProsperUs survey to help our community learn more about the services available in our region and better align resources to assist the most vulnerable: https://surveymonkey.com/r/C2Cprofile

Windsor has been awarded $19.5M in Safe Restart Agreement funds today to help provide relief from the budgetary pressures triggered by the pandemic. The federal and provincial governments have come through in a big way to help our recovery efforts in 2021! http://bit.ly/2Woms9L

Each year, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra’s celebrated performances of Handel’s Messiah and the Holiday Pops fill Capitol Theatre Windsor selling our every seat in the house. This season, you and your family can enjoy these WSO holiday favourites from the comfort of home with the Digital Holiday Package. Give the gift of music 3 festive concerts each Saturday until Christmas! Digital tickets can be purchased at http://ow.ly/HhLI50CD04X. Watch on your TV, computer, tablet, or phone whenever, wherever, and as many times as you like. One-click access to an amazing holiday experience.

ICYMI: Lots of good buzz around this exciting project by Bettermade Cabinets Inc. owner Vern Myslichuk. A boutique grocery store will be a great addition to Windsor’s growing downtown http://ow.ly/uImT50CNdAJ

An incredible new mural by Windsor artist DERKZ is up on Erie Street East celebrating and paying tribute to the rich heritage of our Italian community that has contributed so much to our city. This is a great addition to the neighbourhood! https://www.facebook.com/visitviaita/posts/2529546207345830

Need an idea for a stocking stuffer? #ShopYQG and pick up gift cards at the The Loose Goose - Resto Pub and Lounge - home to one of downtown's best sidewalk cafes this summer. While we’re in lockdown, I'm sharing Windsor businesses on social media. Email me your promotion at [email protected]. #SupportLocal

350 City Hall Square is looking festive and bright as one of the many city spaces throughout Windsor that has been decked out for #BrightLightsWindsor. Which installations are your favourite? Share them with Tourism Windsor Essex for a chance to win: https://woobox.com/mpg7fm

Thank you, FordNation and Victor Fedeli, for reinforcing your commitment to our automotive industry and helping to create the conditions necessary for the sustainable and long-term success of this key economic driver. #AutoMayors automayors.ca

Reminder that the City of Windsor is offering free emergency child care this week to children of essential health care and other front-line workers as identified in the Province’s List of Workers Eligible for Emergency Child Care. For details, visit: http://ow.ly/br3450CZnSR.

A beacon of light Incredible Peaceful Serene these are just some of the ways residents have described the imaginative #BrightLightsWindsor installation at Lakeview Park Marina. This initiative is helping light up neighbourhoods all across #YQG this holiday season. ... Watch the CTV Windsor report: http://ow.ly/3bWz50CN3UY

Congratulations to Andrew Dowie on being acclaimed as the Ontario PC Party for Windsor-Tecumseh, and Anthony Leardi for winning the #PCPO nomination for the riding of Essex. http://ow.ly/xks450CvHp9

Pick up a copy of the Windsor Goodfellows Club edition of the Windsor Star today at one of 40+ contactless walk-up and drive-through locations. Your support of this century-long tradition will go a long way in making a difficult year more bearable to vulnerable residents in our community. For a list of participating locations: http://ow.ly/hI1O50CvIMR

Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of longtime Windsor Parade Corporation volunteer and Windsor Essex EMS retiree Clayton Massender. We are honoured the 52nd Annual Windsor Santa Claus Reverse Drive-Thru Parade is dedicated in his memory. https://www.facebook.com/WindsorParadeCorporation/posts/2781026365552831

Many municipal services continue to be suspended or modified while Windsor is in Grey-Lockdown. A number of buildings, including City Hall, remain closed as we enforce social distance recommendations. For the latest info on the city's response to the pandemic, please visit: http://ow.ly/755c50CZG3I

The City of Windsor is ready and available to help the Windsor-Essex County HEALTH UNIT manage the rising case counts during this second wave. We have the staff and resources to get all hands on deck. Whatever it takes, let’s get it done and get these rising levels under control. http://ow.ly/xyZv50CN1hb.

I’d like to wish a Happy #Thanksgiving2020 to our American friends & family celebrating today. Although this has been a difficult year, there is much to be thankful for, like our incredible #frontline workers, #scientists developing a vaccine and #Zoom for keeping us connected.

Help protect Windsor #jobs and ensure air traffic #safety by signing this House of Commons e-petition sponsored by MP Brian Masse Windsor West to save Windsor International Airport's control tower. Every signature is a call to Transportation Minister Marc Garneau to end NAV CANADA’s misguided review of #YQG. http://ow.ly/ABea50CCSjH

Day15 #WindsorHolidayHeroes: Family Services Windsor-Essex is supporting overall well being by continuing to provide safe, secure counselling and support services. Help keep this season bright for those needing support by donating at www.fswe.ca. Each day until Christmas, we are sharing the efforts of #WindsorHolidayHeroes - local charities that are making the season bright for those in need.

The 2020 Employer Survey is live! Workforce WindsorEssex gathers local employer insight to inform community service providers as they find unique ways to support the needs of employers, fill gaps and promote economic growth in #YQG. www.workforcewindsoressex.com/survey

This cool video by the City of Windsor - Municipal Government gives a birds-eye view of the completed carving of the Friendship Tree at Jackson Park. See up close how artist Rusty Barton found a way to give a new life to an old elm tree.

Don’t forget to pre-register for the Fairmount Properties virtual town hall that begins at 7 tonight to hear an update and give feedback on Fairmount's exciting plans to develop the former Grace Hospital site into Global Village Windsor. For details: ow.ly/yayj50CImNH

Tomorrow, a favourite Windsor tradition returns to spread the joy of the holiday season. Please give generously to the 2020 edition of the Windsor Goodfellows Paper Drive by making a donation at designated locations throughout #YQG or text GOODGIVE to 45678. windsorgoodfellows.org/events/annual-paper-drive-for-2019/

I would like to offer a warm welcome back to the Art Gallery of Windsor as it opens to the general public today with a special exhibit of the work of industrial landscape photographer Edward Burtynsky (of Manufactured Landscapes fame). agw.ca

Border communities like Windsor are unique and need special attention, under the circumstances. Our SMEs, which are linked with cross-border trade, are hurting. We urge the federal government to extend an additional 25% rent subsidy to help our local businesses survive.

If you’re a Windsor-based small business, email me your holiday promotions at [email protected] and I'll share your info across my social media channels to help spread the word. Small businesses form the backbone of Windsor’s economy and we are all invested in your success.

Looking forward to tonight’s Wards 6 & 7 telephone town hall. I’ll be joined by Ward 6 Coun. Jo-Anne Gignac and Jeewen Gill as he takes part in his first public event as councillor for Ward 7. http://ow.ly/sOf850BTnPS

This week I had the honour of addressing over 50 members of the ECCCA - Essex County Chinese Canadian Association and the Chinese Association of Greater Windsor. We had productive updates on the associations’ operations, key City initiatives and a Q&A session. Windsor is so fortunate to have this active, engaged community. I recognize that COVID-19 has brought unique challenges to our Chinese Windsorites worries about family abroad, discrimination and international student stress have been real hurdles. But I’m proud to say that even at a safe distance, you are coming together to support each other and the wider community. The care and commitment shown by Chinese Windsorites assures me that #BetterDaysAreAhead.

All branches of the Windsor Public Library are open today to offer pick-up and delivery services and limited and modified in-person services. That means you can still pick up a Card for Seniors kit and help bring a smile to an elderly neighbour. https://www.windsorpubliclibrary.com/?p=68527

Thank you to Dr. Jasey and the team at the Windsor Regional Hospital Fracture Clinic for great care. Cast is off, but I’ll be in a boot for the next few weeks!

A reminder that residents have until noon Friday to register as a delegate to speak on agenda items for Monday's virtual-only council meeting. To register, email [email protected] To view the agenda, visit https://bit.ly/378oq4B More info: https://bit.ly/2Yi1QRZ

This year, BookFest Windsor celebrates their 19th year with an amazing lineup of authors from across Canada presented in a virtual format. The festival will highlight diverse voices from BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ authors, fiction and non-fiction perspectives, and the Poetry Café. The festival runs Oct. 15-18. Details at bookfestwindsor.com.

Today is the 17th Annual Cans for a Cause hosted by AM800 CKLW in support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Windsor-Essex. Please support this important campaign by dropping off non-perishable foods or cash at Devonshire Mall's contactless drive thru or text MEALS to 20222 to donate.

October is Canadian Library Month an annual celebration of libraries, library workers and the important role they play in spreading knowledge and promoting the love of reading. Please join me in thanking Windsor Public Library staff for all they do to support our community.

Make sure to download the Passport Parking App to sign up for 15 minutes of free parking a courtesy of the City of Windsor to encourage residents to support Windsor restaurants and small businesses. Which restaurant will you support this #TakeoutTuesday?

Day 3: Each year, the SSVP Windsor Essex distributes food baskets, making Christmas dinner a delicious and nutritious occasion for families in need. To donate, call 519-253-7481 or visit ssvpwindsoressex.com. SSVP - our #WindsorHolidayHeroes! Each day until Christmas, we are sharing the efforts of #WindsorHolidayHeroes - charities that are making the season bright for those in need.

Windsor has some of the best pizza in the world and it’s time we celebrate it! Congratulations Tourism Windsor Essex for launching Windsor Pizza Club to showcase our delicious pizza to both locals and visitors. Join the club today at windsorpizzaclub.ca! https://bit.ly/3nQHSZK

This year, the City of Windsor issued 41 permits for outdoor dining spaces a 39% jump from 2019. These parklets and sidewalk cafes energized our neighbourhoods and gave a much-needed economic boost to the service industry. Our successful parklet pilot project ends Nov. 1. The three-season patio season closes Nov. 30, but the City of Windsor is continuing to accept permit applications for year-round outdoor dining. To be licensed, businesses must supply outdoor heaters (1 per 10 people) and updated insurance. For details, call licensing at 311.

ICYMI: I spoke with Vassy Kapelos on CBC Politics about how the lockdown is affecting Windsor, our efforts to support small businesses and our region’s Isolation & Recovery Centre for temporary foreign workers. https://youtu.be/3ZqZV3YVGHc

Please join me in congratulating UWindsor Engineering professor Dr. Hoda ElMaraghy who was named a member of the Order of Canada one of our nation’s highest civilian honours by GG Julie Payette for her work in advancing manufacturing systems in Canada and abroad.

We've been told all available spots for the 52nd Annual Windsor Santa Claus Reverse Drive-Thru Parade at St. Clair College have been booked! Tickets are sold out!

Going on CBC Windsor's Windsor Morning with local host Tony Doucette to talk lockdown, small business and #YQG Windsor International Airport this morning at 7:40 a.m. listen live: http://ow.ly/oQuD50CLli8

Our good friends over at Tourism Windsor Essex are making it easier for us to #ShopYQG and #supportlocal in our pursuit of memorable presents this month. Please go to visitwindsoressex.com to download the Windsor Essex Holiday Gift Guide, an online catalogue of unique, #MadeInWindsor gifts.

Congratulations to the University of Windsor graduating Class of 2020! Each of you should be proud of this significant moment in your life, and of your ability to pivot to an online format to continue your education this year. I know this year was a challenging one for you, but I hope the struggles and innovative solutions have made you an even stronger leader. Wishing you all the best with your future endeavours, Lancers! #UWinProud

With Windsor-Essex in Grey Lockdown, our small businesses are facing increasingly difficult times. Their contribution to our economy, our neighbourhoods & community are significant. Their investments into safety protocols and efforts to adhere to public health guidelines have been admirable. Many are commenting about the inequity involved in keeping big box stores open while other, smaller retailers are unable to have shoppers. We know supporting local is vital, now more th...an ever. We know that when we support local, we are building up the businesses that are a pillar of our strong community. And we know that public health and safety are the number one priority as we continue to face down the virus’ second wave. While the Provincial Government considers what additional supports are available for small businesses, and while the City does its part to make curbside pick-up easier by offering 15 minutes of free parking through the Passport Parking App, there are other steps we can all take to help. 1] Eligible businesses & organizations can look into the Government of Canada’s Regional Relief & Recovery Fund: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07682.html 2] Tourism Windsor Essex is highlighting restaurants offering take out & delivery, as well as curbside pick up at retail partners through the Holiday Guide and in partnership with the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce at www.shopyqg.ca. 3] Everyone at home can share web links to raise awareness and the profile of their favourite local small businesses. 4] If you’re a Windsor-based small business, you can email [email protected], and I will share your information and links across my social media to help spread the word. As we anticipate vaccinations and the recovery period to come, it would be horrible if we emerged from this pandemic with a hollowed out small business sector. Please remember to #ShopYQG and #SupportLocal.

Please join me and all the mayors from across Essex County in supporting Maskcott's #maskup campaign to help stop the spread of the virus. Let's stay safe and Mask Up. #maskupwiththemayors #maskcott #windsoressex #YQG #YQGStandsStrong

Palette Skills, a National not-for-profit, is rolling out their acclaimed SalesCamp program to help skilled Windsor-Essex workers transition into new careers. They’ve partnered with the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, Workforce WindsorEssex, WEtech Alliance and local businesses and entrepreneurs to have a direct and positive impact on our local economy. The deadline to apply to join the program is Oct. 14. Visit www.paletteskills.org/apply. #YQGStandsStrong

Day14 #WindsorHolidayHeroes: VON Erie St. Clair volunteers are still delivering nourishing meals to people unable to cook or shop for themselves right now. Help this important work continue by making a donation today at www.voneriestclair.ca/windsor-essex or call 519-254-4866. Each day until Christmas, we are sharing the efforts of #WindsorHolidayHeroes - local charities that are making the season bright for those in need.

I salute Windsor Regional Hospital on their Trillium Gift of Life Network Award of Excellence and Provincial Conversion Rate Award for their exceptional commitment to saving lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Also, congrats to RN Karen Conte who was named Provincial Donation Champion.

Going on CBC Politics to talk with Vassy Kapelos at 6:10 tonight to talk about lockdown in Windsor-Essex and the need to continue to support migrant workers. https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1813807683667

ICYMI: Our active transportation network of trails and sidewalks continues to expand as we enter the next exciting phase of the Cabana Road Corridor Improvements project! https://bit.ly/2H2wnx4

Reminder to residents that you must pre-book free tickets & choose a time slot between 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. to attend to the 52nd Annual Windsor Santa Claus Reverse Drive-Thru Parade at St. Clair College. Hurry! Tickets won't last long. For details, visit: https://bit.ly/37qQXAW

Proud to stand up and fight for what our community deserves fully staffed control tower at #YQG Windsor International Airport!

McKee Park, one of Windsor’s most historic riverfront parks is poised to undergo improvements with funding assistance from the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Watch this video to learn about the upgrades being proposed. Public comments and suggestions are being accepted until Friday: https://bit.ly/2KmLDH4. https://fb.watch/2nylM3fHoN/

Today, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, Windsor Port Authority, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, Warden Gary McNamara, myself and Irek Kusmierczyk are making a presentation to NAV CANADA to help save #YQG Control Tower!

There are 195 new cases of COVID-19 being reported for #Windsor and #EssexCounty today. That’s the highest ever single-day case increase for the region. The previous record of 127 cases was reported just last Wednesday. Please #StaySafe, and help protect our community.

As long as we're in Lockdown, the City of Windsor will offer 15 minutes of free parking through the Passport Parking App to encourage residents to order takeout and support local restaurants and small businesses. Please take advantage of this offer to #ShopYQG and #SupportLocal.