A $1 million donation from the Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation has breathed new life into the Children's Safety Village in Windsor, Ontario, resulting in significant upgrades and a new name: the Zekelman Safety Village. Located in the Forest Glade neighborhood, the facility now boasts fresh paint, new road markings, a refurbished safety kitchen and bedroom, and long-term funding.
A Personal Connection
During a celebration event on Thursday, Windsor steel magnate Barry Zekelman shared his personal connection to the safety village. He recalled visiting the facility with his children 23 years ago and learning important safety lessons, such as turning pot handles inward on stovetops to prevent accidents. When the organization approached him for support, Zekelman said, “They had me at hello.”
Upon touring the facility before the improvements, Zekelman expressed sadness at its condition, stating, “I was sad to see a little bit of the life had been sucked out of it.” He added, “It's a pleasure to be able to be in this position, to be able to give back.”
Educational Programs and Facilities
The Zekelman Safety Village is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing safety and injury-prevention programs to residents of all ages in Windsor-Essex. Each year, thousands of elementary school children receive on-site education at the facility. Inside, the building features a fake bedroom that fills with fog to simulate smoke from a fire, allowing children to practice escaping through a window. A newly furnished kitchen, donated by Tepperman's, serves as a space for teaching kitchen safety. Additionally, police and paramedics conduct lessons in dedicated areas.
Outside, a miniature village includes scaled-down buildings and fixtures, such as a small Windsor police jail, a pint-sized construction site, a reduced Essex Terminal Railway stop, and a tiny WFCU with a drive-through ATM. Children can navigate the village's roadway in little Jeeps, learning road safety in a hands-on environment.
Community Partnership and Future Growth
Melissa Lauzon, executive director of the safety village, praised the partnership and community support. “It is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose, empowering children and building stronger and safer communities,” she said. Lauzon noted that the Zekelman Foundation's lead sponsorship generated excitement among other community partners, leading to recent revitalizations of village buildings. However, some lots remain “for sale,” offering opportunities for businesses and organizations to sponsor additional stations.
Shawn Boutette, chair of the safety village's board of directors, has been involved for 23 years. He recalled teaching fire safety to young students during his first month as a public education officer with Windsor Fire and Rescue Services, a role he took on after decades as a police officer and firefighter.
