Windsor Housing Debate
Windsor mayoral candidates clash over fourplex policy ahead of public debate
Anonymous
Windsor mayoral candidates Drew Dilkens and Fred Francis are clashing over fourplex policy, with Dilkens vowing to use strong-mayor powers to stop a future council from allowing four-unit housing as of right in low-density neighborhoods. Dilkens says the current approval process preserves public input on parking and neighborhood compatibility, while the dispute revives criticism of Windsor’s blanket restrictions, which cost the city access to federal housing funds. Dilkens, Francis and Kat Pasquach are also slated to take part in a public mayoral debate hosted by the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, focused on the city’s future and candidates’ priorities.
Key Points
1
Windsor sought $40 million in base funding through the Canada Housing Accelerator Fund in 2023, but the federal government rejected its application over the citywide restriction on four-unit developments.
2
Windsor’s alternative proposal would have allowed fourplexes on serviced residential lots in mixed-use corridors and nodes, while the city studied other potential locations.
3
The Chamber debate is scheduled for Tuesday at the Chrysler Theatre, with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 4 p.m.; tickets cost $15 plus tax for the public and $10 plus tax for Chamber members.
4
Although 11 candidates are running for mayor, the Chamber selected Dilkens, Francis and Pasquach for the debate based on a survey of its members; it said the format was not an endorsement or judgment of the other candidates.
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