Windsor-Essex County Market Report 1/24/2024

January 24, 2024

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Windsor held the line on taxes for years. Staff say that can't continue with current service levels

Expert says its time to talk about what cities are responsible for funding

Windsor's city administration warns the council that the city can no longer sustain its service levels without a tax increase due to increased demand for services caused by population growth. Over the last 17 years, Windsor has passed budgets with no property tax increase for 10 years, and the increases approved have been below inflation. The proposed 2024 budget suggests a 3.9% tax increase, one of the lowest in southwestern Ontario, to balance the cost of inflation while maintaining service levels. City administration emphasizes that continued inflationary pressures make it challenging to avoid tax increases, as savings within city-controlled budgets may not be sufficient. The city's fiscal restraint since 2008 has allowed it to reduce debt and grow reserves, but there are significant long-term capital funding needs, prompting consideration of debt financing for infrastructure demands in the coming years. The city faces challenges in maintaining fiscal sustainability, raising questions about the responsibilities of municipalities and their revenue sources. Discussions may arise about what services municipalities should be responsible for and whether they can sustain themselves relying largely on property taxes and transfers from other levels of government.

'We feel the energy across the river': Detroit Lions an economic boom for border cities

The Detroit Lions' game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is expected to significantly boost the local economy in Windsor, regardless of the outcome. Businesses on both the Canadian and U.S. sides of the border have been thriving, with increased patronage and sales leading up to the game. Average Joes Sports Bar in east Windsor has experienced high demand, with most tables reserved, and other businesses, such as Bob Reaume Sports, have seen surging sales of Lions apparel. The success of the Lions has strengthened the bond between Windsor and Detroit, with businesses in Windsor benefiting from the excitement generated by the team's recent accomplishments. The economic impact is felt on both sides of the Detroit River, as fans from Windsor contribute to the vibrant atmosphere and support for the Detroit Lions.

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In midst of local industrial boom, Invest WindsorEssex CEO departs post

Steve MacKenzie, the leader of Invest WindsorEssex, is stepping down from his role as CEO to become a special advisor on innovation and partnerships at the University of Windsor. MacKenzie played a crucial role in securing the $5-billion NextStar plant in March 2022 and was involved in negotiating significant investments for the region. Despite the move, MacKenzie will continue to be on the not-for-profit organization's payroll until the end of the year. The move is seen as a strategic decision to leverage MacKenzie's connections and knowledge to maximize the benefits of upcoming investments. Invest WindsorEssex will begin searching for a new CEO, with an interim CEO appointed before February 19. MacKenzie's new role at the university will focus on institutional innovation and partnership initiatives. The transition is part of discussions that have taken place over the past couple of months and is aimed at creating economic opportunities in cutting-edge fields.

Your move, feds: Windsor won’t back down on zoning rules to access $40M housing grant

Windsor City Council voted 8-3 to reaffirm its original application to the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, maintaining rigid zoning rules while expressing a willingness to explore denser housing types in specific areas. The application, falling short of allowing fourplexes on any residential lot as-of-right, includes a commitment to consult the public before considering any zoning changes, contingent on securing funding. The federal housing minister will decide whether Windsor's application, eligible for $40 million in federal housing grants, will be approved. Zoning reforms, allowing up to four units on every residential lot, are considered crucial for federal funding. The city proposed 47 km of transit routes and over 1,000 acres for increased housing density. Critics argue that the debate lacks evidence and research on the potential impact of fourplex development. The Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors acknowledges the positive step in studying policy implementation but encourages evidence-supported discussions for future decisions. The city aims to hear back from Ottawa on its submission quickly.

Lego art show tour stops in LaSalle, Ont.

A unique Lego show that has toured the globe has now made a stop in the Town of LaSalle.

The upcoming exhibition 'Sean Kenney's Animal Super Powers' opens to the public on Jan. 22 at the LaSalle Event Centre, and will run until April 6, 2024.

It's said “building with Lego bricks is an act only limited by your imagination,” and Lego artist Sean Kenney is a man with a very broad imagination.

The New York City native Kenney sketches his creations first, uses computers to help simulate scale and dimensions and then piece by piece he then uses conventional Lego bricks to make sculptures of animals.