There’s mixed reaction to the idea of a pedestrian underpass below Riverside Drive in Windsor.
Council will be presented with an environmental assessment for the project on Monday.
The idea was first presented in 2013, when Eddie Francis was Mayor, but the $2-million plan did not receive a lot of support around the Council table.
Now Mayor Drew Dilkens has revived the idea, with some improvements, at a cost of $15-million.
The proposal calls for the underground, 30-metre tunnel to connect the downtown core to the riverfront near the western super anchor site.
The EA cost the City $100,000 and Councillor Fred Francis says it’s a necessary step to allow Council to debate the project.
Francis says he is willing to listen to the facts, but wants to review the costs and the benefits for the downtown core before making a final decision.
Councillor Rino Bortolin admits the project is a “nice idea”, but he wonders if it should be high on the City’s priority list.
Bortolin says the $15-million for the project could go a long way if it’s used for other priorities.
Bortolin tells CTV News his constituents are overwhelmingly against the idea.
Mayor Dilkens is hopeful the project will create an education, athletic and cultural hub, and even spur condo development downtown.
CTV News hit the streets of Windsor on Thursday to get feedback on the proposal.
Some residents fully support the project, suggesting it would be another attraction for Windsor.
But other residents feel it is a waste of money.
