Ontario Construction News staff writer
A plan to refresh and revitalize Windsor’s Wyandotte Avenue and Pillette Road streetscapes depends on a partnership between the city and the business improvement area.
Council will decide on a funding request for $320,000 at its next regular meeting.
“It has been 20 years since the Pillette Village BIA’s last major revitalization,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “We have seen tremendous success in neighborhood revitalization through the city, and investment in the business districts is key to attracting new customers as well as new businesses.
“These established business owners, new start-ups, and proud residents are passionate about their neighborhood. I am grateful for the amount of consultation that went into this proposal, and I look forward to what the City and BIA will achieve through this partnership.”
According to the city’s urban design division report, the project would include:
- Banners and banner poles
- Address markers for buildings
- New planters and greenery
- Bike racks
- New trash/recycle stations
The proposed design of the streetscape elements reflects the unique character of the BIA with a blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco motifs. Coloured glass rondels and aluminum scroll work topping the banner polls will complement existing elements like the current benches. Place-making banners will identify the north-south Wyandotte Street gateways as well as the east and west gateways of Pillette Road.
“Pillette Village BIA business owners decided it was time for a ‘refresh’ and worked diligently to identify a theme and a new, exciting and enhanced update for the area,” said Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac.
“Small businesses are the backbone of any successful community. I am very excited to be working with the Pillette Village businesses to enhance their district and implement their new look.”