Catalysts for growth spur investments in Windsor
A London based-developer is planning for a number of projects in Windsor, including a 28-storey apartment building downtown.
“You're gonna see there about a $100-million development,” Shmuel Farhi told CTV News.
On Monday, city council approved the first phase of the 166-unit building slated for the west side of Janette at Riverside Drive.
“That's going to be the first tower of two and we are very looking forward to build on the Docherty Hole finally and do something good there,” said the founder of Farhi Holdings, who explained The Docherty Hole project could involve the library, St. Clair College and a community centre.
Farhi was in Windsor Tuesday to show off the newly renovated DoubleTree by Hilton, a $25-million dollar investment.
“You're looking at major, major developments for downtown and that's people. That's families. That's residents. That's people who are going to enjoy all of the amenities of downtown,” said Ward 3 city councillor Renaldo Agostino
Farhi Holdings is also developing land near the WFCU Centre and has plans to build on farm land near the new acute care hospital in the future.
Farhi anticipates once he is done downtown the time will be right to shift his attention to Country Road 42 where he owns 53 acres of land including 18 acres on the west side of Concession 9, across the street from the future home of the acute care hospital.
The company's website shows 500,000 square-feet will be transformed into mixed used development: commercial, retail, office and hospitality development.
“We have about half a dozen hoteliers that would love to be there,” said Farhi.
Ward 9 city councilor Kieren Mckenzie is guarding his excitement saying the catalysts for growth, including the EV battery plant have challenges like servicing and infrastructure requirements.
“As a city we need to prepare and assemble the lands that will be able to accommodate those kinds of investments,” he said. “We need to make investments in the roadway infrastructure that’s gonna be able to accommodate the traffic volume.”
McKenzie puts all of those issues in the “good problems to have” basket. He’s excited investors are attracted to the city.
“We need to make sure we're doing the things we need to do to accommodate those investments not just for the investors themselves but for all of the people that are going be affected by those investments locating in this part of our community.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
23 vehicles towed, dozens of tickets issued as rally marks one-year anniversary of 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa
OPS and Ottawa Bylaw officers issued 192 parking tickets and 67 Provincial Offences Notices in downtown Ottawa this weekend, as people gathered marked the one-year anniversary of the 'Freedom Convoy'.

'COVID is not done,' Canadian infectious disease expert says ahead of WHO announcement
While RSV and flu cases steadily decline in Canada, the World Health Organization is set to announce on Monday whether it still considers COVID-19 a global health emergency, but one infectious disease specialist says we still need to keep an eye on the coronavirus.
YouTube star MrBeast helps 1,000 blind people see again by sponsoring cataract surgeries
YouTube superstar MrBeast is making the world clearer -- for at least 1,000 people. The content creator's latest stunt is paying for cataract removal for 1,000 people who were blind or near-blind but could not afford the surgery.
Father pushing Manitoba to follow Ontario, Saskatchewan in screening for CMV
Roughly one in 200 babies born in Canada today will have congenital cytomegalovirus, a virus that can lead to hearing loss, intellectual disability or vision loss. But with only two provinces screening newborns for CMV, one father is asking other health-care systems to do more.
'24,' 'Runaways' actor Annie Wersching has died at 45
Actor Annie Wersching, best known for playing FBI agent Renee Walker in the series '24' and providing the voice for Tess in the video game 'The Last of Us' has died. She was 45.
Former Mississauga, Ont. mayor Hazel McCallion dies at 101
Former Mississauga, Ont. mayor Hazel McCallion, nicknamed 'Hurricane Hazel,' has died. She was 101 years old. Premier Doug Ford said McCallion died peacefully at her home early Sunday morning.
Russian teen faces years in jail over social media post criticizing war in Ukraine
A Russian teenager must wear an ankle bracelet while she is under house arrest after she was charged over social media posts that authorities say discredit the Russian army and justify terrorism.
As Canada's RCMP marks 150th anniversary, a look at what it says needs to change
After years of reports and allegations detailing a 'toxic' workplace, Canada's RCMP says it is trying to evolve, focusing on diversity in its organization and repairing relationships with communities as it marks its 150th anniversary.
Ryan Reynolds goes through range of emotions in FA Cup match
Ryan Reynolds went from joy to despair, and punch-the-air ecstasy to desolation.