Two of Windsor’s oldest neighborhoods, along with one of its fastest-growing areas, are set to receive nearly $5 million in road rehabilitation and repair work this construction season. Mayor Drew Dilkens outlined the plans during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that the short-term inconvenience will lead to long-term benefits for residents.
Major Investment in Aging Infrastructure
The funding, approved by city council during the 2026 budget discussions, is part of Windsor’s largest-ever single-year investment in roads, totaling $163.8 million. Of that amount, $36.6 million is allocated specifically for road rehabilitation, reconstruction, and replacement, while the remainder supports larger infrastructure projects. Mayor Dilkens acknowledged that residents will face detours and delays but stressed the necessity of the work.
“You will be able to move throughout the city, but it’s going to be difficult because we are investing a lot of money this year to bring roads up to a good condition,” Dilkens said.
Ward 5: Historic Neighborhoods Get Attention
In Ward 5, which includes a mix of historic and working-class residential areas, five deteriorating roads will be repaired. These include sections of Whelpton Street, North Service Road East, and Vimy Avenue. Councillor Ed Sleiman noted that the aging infrastructure requires care to improve quality of life in the city.
“We have aging infrastructure that needs to be cared for,” Sleiman said.
Ward 6: Continued Investment Pays Off
Ward 6 Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac, who has served on city council since 2003, highlighted that previous investments in her neighborhood have attracted residents and new businesses. She expects further economic growth as a result of the ongoing road work.
“The commitment to making sure that we move forward in a responsible way is definitely paying off,” Gignac said. “It’s a balanced approach, and it’s one that I really congratulate the mayor and my colleagues on council for sticking to.”
She urged residents to focus on the end result, despite the frustration of construction delays.
Ward 7: Future-Oriented Projects
Ward 7, the city’s most northeasterly neighborhood, will receive the smallest road rehab investment at $789,550. However, this figure does not include the approximately $120 million being spent to upgrade the Banwell Road corridor and build a new interchange at Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway. Councillor Angelo Marignani described the project as “paving the future of Windsor.”
Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain
Mayor Dilkens acknowledged that he hears complaints about road conditions each spring when snow melts, followed by complaints about construction detours once work begins. He expects even more feedback this year due to the unprecedented scale of the investment.
“It’s good news overall, but it will be short-term pain for long-term gain,” Dilkens said.
List of Roads Scheduled for Rehabilitation
Ward 5:
- Whelpton Street from St. Luke Road to Drouillard Road
- Ontario Street from George Avenue to High Street
- Metcalfe Street from George Avenue to Tourangeau Road
- North Service Road East from Central Avenue to Pillette Road
- Vimy Avenue from Cadillac Street to Meighen Road
Ward 6:
- Carling Crescent from Carling Crescent cul-de-sac to Cedarview Street
- St. Paul Avenue from Wyandotte Street East to St. Rose Avenue
- Sumach Crescent from Garden Court Drive to Garden Court Drive
- Garden Court Drive from Edgar Street to Homedale Boulevard
- Ontario Street from Villaire Avenue to Glidden Avenue
Ward 7:
- Cora Greenwood Drive from Castle Hill Road to Little River Boulevard
- Mulberry Court from Mulberry Road to Mulberry Court
The projects are part of a broader effort to modernize Windsor’s infrastructure and support growth in the region.
