Home › Weekly digest › Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, 2026
This week in Windsor News
Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, 2026. 64 stories from the week, newest first, each with a one-line summary. Every story links its sources.
Council this week
- Mon. Nov. 2, 4:30 p.m.: Development and Heritage Standing Committee, Council Chambers, City Hall. 75 homes proposed at Richmond and St. Luke (Ward 5, report S 108/2026) and two alley closures. Agenda (City of Windsor). Our story.
- Wed. Nov. 4, 9 a.m.: Community Services Standing Committee: cancelled, per the City.
- Fri. Nov. 6, noon: Deadline to sign up with the City Clerk to speak as a delegation at the Nov. 9 Council meeting. Council meeting tracker.
Next: City Council, Mon. Nov. 9, 10 a.m., the last regular meeting of this term. Times come from the City's posted agendas and calendar, which can change.
How they voted
No new recorded votes this week. Our How councillors voted tracker went live Oct. 27 with 104 recorded votes, each checked against the City's minutes.
Records we found
- Downtown Mission funding FOI: the City Clerk's office acknowledged our request Oct. 27 and sent the fee receipt. Decision due Nov. 27. See it.
- Budget item 2026-0097 FOI (filed Oct. 22) is now on our tracker. The City has not acknowledged it yet. See it.
- Closed-door meetings: 105 in-camera sessions from 2022 to 2026, counted from the City's minutes, live since Oct. 27. See it.
- Election records: the City Clerk certified the Oct. 26 results on Oct. 28. Link added to our documents list. See it.
The week's stories
News
- Big signs could tell you what's planned for the lot down the street
Windsor may put big signs on lots with development proposals, so neighbours know what's coming. A small-sign pilot drew 256 QR scans. Larger signs for rezonings would start in 2027, with meeting dates added about 20 days ahead. Committee votes Nov. 9.
- City wants to sell Twin Oaks land NextStar used during its battery plant build
The City wants to sell 2 lots on Twin Oaks Dr. and Valtec Crt. that NextStar used for offices and parking while building its battery plant. That lease has since ended. Council decides Nov. 9.
- 46 questions from Windsor councillors are still waiting on City answers
46 questions from Windsor councillors are still waiting on City answers, per the City's Oct. 29 tracker. The oldest dates to Feb. 2020. Still open: a 40 km/h limit on residential streets and a street parking and snow clearing review.
- Lancers beat Guelph 28-24, head to OUA semifinal at Western
FINAL: Lancers 28, Gryphons 24. Guelph led 24-21 with about six minutes left before Kareame Cotton hit Evan Martin for a 20-yard touchdown. Windsor plays the OUA semifinal at Western in London on Sat. Nov. 7 at 1.
- Sparky's Toy Drive: how Windsor families can register for gifts
Sparky's Toy Drive registration, for low-income Windsor families with kids 0-13: Nov. 14: Gino & Liz Marcus Complex Nov. 15: Forest Glade Arena Nov. 21: Hotel-Dieu Grace (morning only) Bring photo ID, kids' health cards or birth records and your latest CCB statement.
- $170,321 in 2025 property tax relief goes to Council Nov. 9, and how to apply if your home was damaged
Council gets $170,321 in 2025 property tax relief Nov. 9. $98,016 is for Devonshire Mall renovations; homeowners get $1,065. Fire or renos left your place unusable 3+ months? You can apply for your 2026 taxes until end of Feb.
- County election results now official; LaSalle fixes a double-count, and Macri wins by 76 votes
County election results are now official. LaSalle's certified count fixes election-night votes that were counted twice. No winner changed: Michael Macri won mayor by 76 votes, 4,670 to 4,594. Tecumseh, Lakeshore and Amherstburg have certified. Kingsville has posted results.
- A City employee declared a conflict on the Bright Lights chalet contract; Council decides Nov. 9
A City employee declared a conflict of interest tied to the Bright Lights chalet food contract. Under the new purchasing bylaw, Council must OK the renewal itself. It's on the Nov. 9 agenda, with a staff plan to rewrite the conflict rules.
- Lancers host Guelph in an OUA playoff game today after Cunningham's two goals beat Waterloo
The Lancers host Guelph in the OUA football quarterfinal today at 1 at Alumni Stadium. Last night, Alex Cunningham scored twice and Max Donoso made 36 saves in a 4-3 Lancer hockey win at Waterloo. The Spitfires visit Owen Sound at 2.
- Windsor's 2027 budget can't be tabled until January
Windsor's 2027 budget can't be tabled before Jan. 1. Under a provincial rule in force since June, a strong mayor can propose the budget for the year after an election only in that year. The deadline is Feb. 1, then council has 30 days to amend.
- ERCA merges into a new regional conservation authority Feb. 1: what it means for Windsor-Essex
ERCA merges into the new Western Lake Erie conservation authority Feb. 1, 2027, as Ontario cuts 36 authorities to 9. The Province says flood and drinking water protections continue. ERCA warns local costs may rise. Comments close Dec. 6.
- City did not answer questions on $2.6M housing budget cut by deadline
Accountability Watch: We asked the City of Windsor what the $2.6M homelessness and supportive housing cut (budget item 2026-0097) covered. The CAO's office acknowledged our complaint Oct. 29. The City did not reply with answers by the 5 p.m. Oct. 30 deadline.
- Trick-or-treating Saturday: what Windsor Police and the health unit advise
Trick-or-treating is Saturday. Windsor Police said kids under 10 should stay with an adult, visit only homes with lights on, and let an adult check candy. Older kids: go with two friends and carry a light and a phone. Clocks fall back 2 a.m. Sunday.
- Police Board: no reply by the deadline
Accountability Watch: On Oct. 27 we asked the Windsor Police Service Board three questions, including its media response policy and when it will answer on the Bellaire investigation. Reply date: 5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 30. No reply by the deadline.
- Travel grant for out-of-town care voted down at Queen's Park, 71-40
Queen's Park voted down, 71-40, a Windsor West bill to plan a travel grant for Ontarians who must go 100 km or more for specialist care. MPPs Dowie, Leardi and Jones voted no; Gretzky voted yes. The travel grant still covers only the north.
- Windsor's new council, ward by ward: who won each seat
Windsor's new council takes office Nov. 15. Five councillors return and five are new. Closest race: Ward 8, won by 163 votes. Widest: Ward 7, by 3,550. Turnout was about 31.8% per Clerk-entered AMO data. Every ward's certified count is on our site.
- Newlove blanks Erie as the Spitfires win 3-0, and the Lancers host a playoff game Saturday
Michael Newlove stopped all 27 shots as the Spitfires blanked Erie 3-0 last night. Lancer basketball hosts York tonight at 6 and 8. Saturday, the Lancers host Guelph in the OUA football quarterfinal at 1, and the Spitfires visit Owen Sound at 2.
- Tecumseh council's Chene St. tribunal direction came in a closed session, with no recorded vote
Tecumseh council's direction not to attend the Chene St. tribunal hearing came in a closed session with no recorded vote, the Town told Windsor News. Minutes show the May 12 closed session, three weeks before the June 3 hearing.
- 75 homes proposed on industrial land at Richmond and St. Luke go to committee Monday
A plan for 75 homes on industrial land at Richmond Street and St. Luke Road goes to a City committee Monday. Staff recommend approval of 24 semi-detached homes and 51 townhomes in Ward 5. Council has the final say.
- What worked downtown elsewhere: seven cities' records hold lessons for Windsor's core
Windsor's downtown office vacancy sits at 40.6%. Calgary, Hamilton, Grand Rapids, Oklahoma City and others faced the same problem and tracked what worked. Here are 7 options, and what Ward 6's Jeremy Renaud says Windsor should try.
- Francis's open City Hall pledges, before Nov. 15
Mayor-elect Fred Francis ran on opening up City Hall. His platform pledges to eliminate strong mayor powers, move council meetings from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., audit closed-door agendas yearly and publish every council vote online. The new term starts Nov. 15.
- Two pedestrians killed on County Road 34 West in Kingsville
Two men, 25 and 27, were killed after being struck by a Jeep while walking on County Road 34 West in Kingsville late Thursday, OPP say. The driver stayed at the scene. Witnesses or dashcam: OPP 1-888-310-1122.
- Closed doors at City Hall: what three councillors pledged
Windsor council met behind closed doors 18 times this year to Sept. 28, City minutes show. Three councillors-elect ran on opening it up: Darcie Renaud wants board appointments made in public, Angelo Marignani wants closed meetings strictly limited.
- Windsor's school trustees: the official results
Windsor's school trustee results are now official, certified by the City Clerk. Public board: Chittle, Gervais, Nelson, Lockhart, Cooke and Simko Hatfield. Catholic board: all five Windsor trustees return. Four French-language seats were acclaimed.
- Police seek man after boy, 11, sexually assaulted on Hall Avenue
Windsor Police are looking for a man after an 11-year-old boy was sexually assaulted on Hall Avenue near Ottawa Street Wednesday evening. Police have video of the suspect. Know who he is? CASA Unit: 519-255-6700 ext. 4903.
- Essex County's draft 2027 budget has a 4.17% tax increase, mostly wages and benefits
Essex County's working draft for 2027 has a tax-rate increase of about 4.17%, a County report says. Wages and benefits make up about 2.91 points of it. The new County council debates the budget Dec. 2, and staff say the number will change before then.
- Gordie Howe bridge path closed again today for fire suppression testing
The Gordie Howe bridge's walking and cycling path is closed again today for fire suppression testing. The right lane from the U.S. into Canada is closed 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the bridge authority says to allow extra time. Winter path hours start Sunday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 311 requests, ward by ward, in Windsor's open data
Wards 4 and 2 logged the most 311 requests in Windsor from Jan. 1 to Aug. 23, and Ward 8 the fewest, in both of the City's open 311 data sources. The two sources give different totals for those months: 29,494 and 23,863.
- Rasha Zaid finishes second in Ward 4 after protest videos drew wide scrutiny
Rasha Zaid finished second in Windsor's Ward 4 council race, after videos of her protest speeches drew coverage during the campaign. Chris Holt won the seat with 55.5 per cent, unofficial results show. Zaid gave Windsor News a statement on Oct. 28.
- Windsor's outgoing council can still approve up to $119.4M in Sandwich South borrowing
In July, Windsor council gave its outgoing members the power to pass by-laws borrowing up to $119.4M for Sandwich South while it is a lame duck. City minutes and agendas show none has passed so far. Council's next regular meeting is Nov. 9.
- The $280.2M Sandwich South plan the new council inherits
Windsor's next council takes over a $280.2M plan to open the Sandwich South lands. City records: $238.9M is to be repaid from development charges, with a first loan of up to $119.4M. The March vote was 10-1, with Fred Francis the only councillor opposed.
- $2.9M to prevent gun violence in Windsor. Then what?
Ottawa's $2.9M gun and gang prevention deal with Windsor was set to end March 31, 2026. It now runs to March 31, 2027. City records list what it funded. We found no public report on results or a plan for after. What did it achieve?
- Crime Stoppers paused: how to give police a tip now
Crime Stoppers is paused in Windsor, LaSalle and by the OPP after a breach exposed more than 1.5 million tips across Canada. In Windsor, tips can go to police directly at 519-258-6111. Emergency? Call 911.
- What Windsor's CAO can approve until mid-November
In July, Windsor council gave the CAO extra powers for the lame-duck period: real estate deals over $50,000, grant applications, contract changes up to $1.5M, and improvement and heritage grants up to $2.5M. Fred Francis voted no on grants.
- Three people killed in County Road 22 crash in Lakeshore
Three people died after a crash on County Road 22 in Lakeshore Wednesday morning, OPP say. A wrong-way vehicle hit another head on, and both drivers died at the scene. A passenger died in hospital. Witnesses or dashcam: OPP 1-888-310-1122.
- Village at the Barn: where it stands after the election
Windsor's Village at the Barn, about 102 supportive homes in the old arena, now faces a mayor-elect who voted no in June. Council endorsed the idea but never approved building it. A staff report is due next spring, and the new council decides.
- Canada and the U.S. meet at the WFCU Centre tonight, and the Lancers host a playoff game Saturday
Canada's National Women's Team plays the United States tonight at 7 at the WFCU Centre, with a free fan fest from 4 to 8. The Spitfires host Erie Thursday at 7:05, and the Lancers host Guelph in the OUA football quarterfinal Saturday at 1.
- What the outgoing council can't do until Nov. 15
Six of 11 people on Windsor's outgoing council return, by unofficial results. Ontario law draws the line at three-quarters, so until Nov. 15 the old council can't hire or fire staff or spend over $50,000 outside the budget.
- 3-year-old critically hurt after being struck in Amherstburg driveway
A 3-year-old is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in a driveway on Vermont Drive in Amherstburg Monday evening, Windsor Police said. The child was airlifted to London. Anyone with video is asked to call 519-736-8559 ext. 230.
- 104 council votes, name by name: how your councillor voted
Most Windsor council votes just say "Carried" or "Lost". 104 were recorded name by name from Nov. 2022 to Sept. 2026. Mayor-elect Fred Francis: 57 for, 38 against. Look up how your councillor voted, with the minutes.
- Behind closed doors: how often Windsor council met
How often did Windsor council meet behind closed doors? 16 closed sessions in 2023, 20 in 2024, 21 in 2025 and 18 so far in 2026. With committees, 105 since Nov. 2022. We counted every one from the City's minutes.
- We asked 30 questions. 20 got no reply.
We asked public offices 30 questions on the record. 20 got no reply by our deadline. Windsor Police: 5 of 6. City of Windsor: 5 of 7. Essex-Windsor EMS: 4 of 4. Every question and outcome is on our scoreboard.
- Windsor Assembly will build 270 limited Mopar '27 Chargers in 2027
Windsor Assembly will build a limited Mopar '27 Dodge Charger, Stellantis says. Only 270 will be made, 27 of them for Canada. Production starts in spring 2027; dealer orders open in early January.
- Who lobbies Windsor-Essex MPs? Auto groups top the list
Who lobbies Windsor-Essex MPs? Since the 2025 election, lobbyists reported 77 meetings or calls with Essex MP Chris Lewis, 69 with Kathy Borrelli and 60 with Harb Gill. Car dealers' and automakers' groups top every list.
- Meet your new Windsor city council
Windsor's new council, now official: Mayor Fred Francis with Darcie Renaud, Frazier Fathers, Renaldo Agostino, Chris Holt, Ken Acton, Jeremy Renaud, Angelo Marignani, Gary Kaschak, Kieran McKenzie and Mark Masanovich. Term starts Nov. 15.
- More of Jackson Park fences off for Bright Lights
More of Jackson Park is fenced off from today for Bright Lights Windsor: the west side, Sunken Gardens, pergola and washrooms. The Ouellette and Tecumseh gates close. For Remembrance Day, use Memorial Drive off McDougall.
- Strong mayor powers, closed-door budget lines and two lawsuits: the record Windsor voters weighed
94 strong mayor decisions. A tunnel bus veto council couldn't override. A $2.6M housing cut first listed as "Labour Relations." A settlement Windsor still won't disclose. The record voters weighed as Windsor picked a new mayor.
- GECDSB WARDS 3, 4, 10: Christie Nelson and Daniel Lockhart win (unofficial)
All 36 polls reported. 2 seats were up. Results are unofficial until the City Clerk declares them.
- Election results: 4 more races called (unofficial)
More races called (unofficial): WECDSB WARDS 3 & 4: Bernard Mastromattei WECDSB WARDS 5 & 8: Jason Lazarus WECDSB WARDS 6 & 7: Kim Bouchard GECDSB WARDS 1, 2, 9: Tina Chittle and Todd Gervais Unofficial until the City Clerk declares them.
- Election results: 5 more races called (unofficial)
More races called (unofficial): WARD 1: Darcie Renaud WARD 10: Mark Masanovich CSC PROVIDENCE WARDS 6, 7, 8, 9: Émilie Dunnigan GECDSB WARDS 5, 6, 7, 8: Cathy Cooke and Gale Simko Hatfield WECDSB WARDS 2 & 9: Joe Iacono Unofficial until the City Clerk declares them.
- MAYOR: Fred Francis wins Windsor mayor's race (unofficial)
MAYOR: Fred Francis wins the race for Windsor mayor (unofficial). All 85 polls reported: Fred Francis 28,204 votes (47.6%), Drew Dilkens 20,021 (33.8%). Results are unofficial until the City Clerk declares them.
- Election results: 6 more races called (unofficial)
More races called (unofficial): WARD 2: Frazier Fathers WARD 4: Chris Holt WARD 5: Ken Acton WARD 6: Jeremy Renaud WARD 8: Gary Kaschak WARD 9: Kieran McKenzie Unofficial until the City Clerk declares them.
- Election results: 2 more races called (unofficial)
More Windsor races called (unofficial): WARD 3: Renaldo Agostino WARD 7: Angelo Marignani All polls reported in each race. Results are unofficial until the City Clerk declares them.
- Polls are closed in Windsor. Now the count.
Polls are closed in Windsor. Tonight's results are unofficial until the clerk declares them, usually a few days later. A tie means an automatic recount. Whoever wins takes office Nov. 15. We'll post each race as the City reports it.
- Two County EMS reports, two sets of 2025 numbers
The County's Oct. 21 EMS report to council puts 2025 at 7,822 hours of unstaffed ambulance shifts. Its June report said 9,040. This year hit 8,233 by Sept. 23. We asked the County which numbers are right.
- Gabriella Acosta scores twice as Saints women's soccer rolls into the OCAA final four
St. Clair women's soccer beat Niagara 6-1 in Sunday's OCAA quarterfinal, with two goals from Gabriella Acosta. The Saints play Centennial in the semifinal Saturday at noon. Saints volleyball also swept Boreal 3-0 on both sides.
- It's Voting Day in Windsor. Polls are open 10 to 8.
It's Voting Day in Windsor. Polls are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at any voting place in your ward. Bring ID with your name and address; no voter card needed. Eligible voters ride the bus free to and from voting. Just tell the driver.
Witching Hour
- Witching Hour - Strange History: Tonight, the witching hour strikes twice
At 2 AM, Ontario clocks go back to 1 AM. Across the river, Detroit once fought over the time. A 1905 vote put it on Central time. In May 1915, it moved to Eastern.
- Witching Hour - Legends: The Detroit River's other jack-o'-lantern
Witching Hour - Legends Meet the Detroit River's other jack-o'-lantern. Old French families told of the feu follet, a swamp light that led travellers astray. In Hamlin's 1883 Legends of Le Detroit, it lures a man into a Grosse Ile swamp.
- Witching Hour - Strange History: The general who invaded Windsor, then gave up Detroit
Witching Hour - Strange History An invading army once set up headquarters in a Windsor farmhouse. On July 12, 1812, Gen. William Hull crossed into Sandwich and took over François Baby's new house. On Aug. 16, he surrendered Detroit to Isaac Brock.
- Witching Hour - Strange History: The priest who wrote down how New France talked
Witching Hour - Strange History A Jesuit priest at the old Huron mission in what is now Windsor kept a notebook of how people talked. From 1743 to 1758, Pierre Potier wrote down sayings he heard. It is called the only dictionary of New France French.
- Witching Hour - Strange History: A gold key and a road under the Detroit River
Witching Hour - Strange History Ninety-six years ago this week, President Herbert Hoover clicked a gold telegraph key in Washington to mark the opening of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Fans at each end were built to swap out all of its air every 90 seconds.
- Witching Hour - Legends: Willistead Manor and the face no one knew
Witching Hour - Legends Legend has it something waits in Willistead Manor's basement. Catering managers, the story goes, went down, came back up and quit on the spot. The real part: the manor was finished in 1906 for Edward Chandler Walker.
- Witching Hour - Dark History: The battle fought on the Lake Erie ice
Witching Hour - Dark History Lake Erie froze hard in the winter of 1838, and men fought a battle on it. On March 3, British troops cut off Patriot raiders on the ice off Pelee Island. The accounts never agreed on how many died.
Only in the digest
Two alley closures go to Monday's Development and Heritage Standing Committee: the east/west alley east of Oak Street, south of Wyandotte Street West and west of Crawford Avenue (file SAA-7163, report S 103/2026), and the east/west alley north of Grand Marais Road West, between Everts and Curry avenues (file SAA-7363, report S 109/2026).
Stay in touch
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