What's happening with the peace fountain? Windsor council looking at three options
Windsor city council has to make some decisions regarding a popular monument.
The Charles Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain, first added to the Detroit River in 1978, is usually installed each summer near Reaume Park and Coventry Gardens, and has since served as an attraction for both visitors and residents and often serves as the backdrop for prom, graduation and wedding photos.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said on Wednesday that the Peace Fountain is one of Windsor's most popular and iconic features.
“What people see is the fountain in the water. What they don't see is all the underground piping and the mechanics behind the scenes,” he said. “That is definitely at end of life. And you can't replace these parts. It has to be completely redone.”
City officials say the peace fountain is nearing the end of its lifespan. Due to necessary repairs and a delay in parts arriving from overseas, there is a delay in getting the fountain installed for this season.
At the next city council meeting on Monday, a report from administration looks at the vision for a renewal of the peace fountain.
“We've known for many years that this needs to be replaced,” Dilkens said. “We started a process several years ago. We've had multiple community consultations to ask the community what they'd like to see. And there are options that range from $7 million for like-for-like replacement, up to $20 million, which is an enhancement of the fountain. I expect finding $20 million will be nearly impossible but I expect council will want to replace the existing fountain because residents in this community appreciate it so much.”
Three options considered and costed:
- Like-for-like replacement
- On-shore system of water jets that stream into the bay (where the current fountain floats)On-shore system of water jets that stream into the bay. (Source:City of Windsor)
- An arch that goes over the bay and sprinkles water.An arch that goes over the bay and sprinkles water. (Source:City of Windsor)
Dilkens said he expects council to favour the “like-for-like” option, noting it costs considerably less.
“We don't have $20 million to replace or to upgrade the fountain,” the mayor said. “But we will have to find a way to replace it.”
The report will be considered by council next week, but the final decision on budget will be next year.
Once an option is approved, then final engineering and design needs to be done for the project. Cost may change based on the final design option.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.