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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.